By Scott M. Johnson
Herald Writer
KIRKLAND – Although the Seattle Seahawks officially head back to work today, when practices resume following a weekend off, the true test won’t come until Sunday afternoon.
When the Seahawks host the Philadelphia Eagles in the delayed home opener this weekend, tensions will be a bit more on edge than usual. The NFL has promised to beef up security at a time when much larger issues than professional football are going on around the world.
While the alterations in security may come as a slight inconvenience to fans, they are certainly necessary.
“The commissioner has decided that our No. 1 priority is security,” NFL senior director of security Milt Ahlerich told The Associated Press on Monday, when the league announced its tightest security measures since the 1991 Gulf War. “Our fans are going to have to be more patient. We’re suggesting that they get to the stadiums early and then get to their seats early. We want to alleviate that last-minute game crush.”
Fans attending this Sunday’s game will be barred from bringing backpacks, large bags or coolers into the stadium. Security and game-day personnel have undergone emergency operations plans, and there will be a larger police presence at the game.
“There will be things fans will notice, and there will be things that will be transparent to the fans,” University of Washington police department captain John Brouelette said. Brouelette added that security will be beefed up this weekend, but would get no more specific.
UW assistant athletic director Chip Lydum, who is in charge of facilities and events, said fans should not be scared off by any possible safety concerns.
“We are increasing security, so we’re hoping it’s safer than a typical game at Husky Stadium,” Lydum said. “And we like to think typical games at Husky Stadium are safe. … We’re doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of the fans.”
After calling off last weekend’s slate of NFL games, the league has had time to take a long look at any possible security issues for the upcoming games. By that time, the major league baseball schedule will be in full swing, and Saturday’s college schedule will also have been played out – including the University of Washington’s game against Idaho at Husky Stadium.
By the time Sunday arrives, the Seahawks expect a safe environment.
“Last week I was really concerned with security issues,” Seahawks safety Marcus Robertson said. “This week, given the fact that they’ve had a little time to prepare for security issues, I’m sure the preparation will be a lot better than it would have been (Sunday).”
Offensive lineman Robbie Tobeck said he also feels confident in terms of security, and that he won’t be thinking about it when the game begins.
“Once the whistle blows, you have to concentrate on football,” Tobeck said. “Otherwise I’m going to get hurt, or I’m going to hurt somebody. You’ve got to concentrate and do your job this week.”
After spending the weekend mourning last week’s tragic events, the Seahawks hope to provide a small outlet to sports fans this Sunday afternoon.
The team will hand out 50,000 American flags before the game and will be accepting donations for the American Red Cross at the entrances. After what promises to be another emotional rendition of the national anthem, professional football will return from a 13-day hiatus.
“It was a difficult weekend, but at the same time it was good to get away and back to the family,” Robertson said. “Now we can concentrate a little bit better on football.
“There’s a lot of things still going on, but it’s like (President) Bush said: ‘It’s time for you to get back to your normal activities.’ That’s something that we as football players have to do. Some people work at the bank, and they’ve got to go back to work. I guess we’ve got to create some form of entertainment for America right now.”
Notes: The Seahawks hope to get offensive lineman Chris McIntosh (neck) and cornerbacks Shawn Springs (hamstring), and Ike Charlton (knee) back on the practice field sometime this week. McIntosh was the only one out of that group that took part in Monday’s running drills. … Philadelphia head coach Andy Reid, a former Green Bay assistant, on facing his mentor this weekend: “I’m not playing Mike Holmgren. It’s probably a good thing, because I don’t think we have much left.” … Approximately 17,500 tickets still remain for Sunday’s game. Fans can call (206) 622-HAWK.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
