DALLAS, Cotton Bowl authorities said no changes to the venue’s security plans will be implemented for Saturday’s football game between Texas and Oklahoma. They did warn, however, that they will be more alert.
The warning comes in response to an explosion that occurred Oct. 1 at a University of Oklahoma (OU) home football game. A suicidal student strapped a bomb to his body and then detonated the device, instantly killing him. The explosion occurred approximately 100 yards from a packed Oklahoma Memorial Stadium.
Dallas police have been working with FBI investigators to learn more about the Oct. 1 explosion so officers patrolling the Cotton Bowl game can watch for similar signs or evidence at upcoming events. The Texas-Oklahoma game draws approximately 250,000 fans and visitors to the State Fair of Texas, which takes place outside the Cotton Bowl.
The use of bomb-sniffing dogs, explosive experts, camera surveillance and officer surveillance is a routine part of security at the Cotton Bowl and was increased prior to the Oct. 1 Oklahoma explosion. Additionally, bags are searched and fans are screened before they enter the Fair Park and again as they enter the stadium.
At OU, officials indicated security for future home games will be tightened. Bags will be more thoroughly searched, and more officers will be positioned throughout the venue. For the rest of the season, the school will not allow spectators to return to the game after leaving at halftime.
The CCTV system currently deployed on campus did not capture the explosion.
