Olympic event security
 

I just got an email about one of my events which will be at the O2. They are warning us that it will be airport style security and that we should arrive 2 hours early. No liquids and only a single soft bag allowed.

From the email...

Be prepared for security checks when you arrive: this will be like taking an international flight at an airport. It will be busy, so aim to be at the venue up to two hours before your session starts. Please note: there will also be an additional search at the entry to the arena inside the venue, which is when your ticket will be scanned.

Bring as little as possible with you: one small soft-sided bag is allowed per person – this must fit under your seat. There are no storage facilities available. You can bring food, provided it fits in your bag, and an empty plastic water bottle to fill up inside the arena. You cannot bring in liquids over 100ml. Read the full list of prohibited and restricted items

Leave plenty of time to travel: London will be extremely busy and very different to what you’re used to. Use the spectator journey planner to plan your journey and, where necessary, book your travel in advance. When planning a return journey, be aware that sessions may end later than the scheduled finish time. Don’t forget your free Games Travelcard for London zones 1–9 on the day.

Remember the only way to pay is by Visa (debit, credit or prepaid card) or cash: for details of the services and facilities available in your venue, read the venue information online.

You may have to wait to enter the arena: unless your session is the first of the day, you won’t be able to enter the arena until all spectators from the previous session have left. You can visit the shops, bars and restaurants inside the venue while you wait – but the prohibited and restricted items lists still apply for entry into the arena and you will not be able to bring in take-away food purchased from these outlets.

Bless. Just like Heathrow!

I just got a second email about an event at Earls Court. Same deal except this bit at the end...

Expect to queue to leave the venue: Volleyball is not a timed sport, so sessions may finish later than scheduled. Make sure you leave plenty of time to exit the venue and make your onward journey – especially if you’re going to another event afterwards – and think about using an alternative station such as West Kensington, Barons Court or Gloucester Road. It’s especially important to plan your onward travel if you have a ticket for a late session – night buses run from Hammersmith station, around a 20-minute walk away.

Do the dignitaries have to be searched to? Should be the same rules for everyone.

I gave away my ticket because I refuse to be groped and fondled :td:

You bought a ticket expecting not to be? :confused:

I expect several of the "dignitaries" will be paying a hefty supplement precisely for such a service...

Yeah, but probably not at the venue!

No, minor "dignitaries" will have the bar code on their accreditation cards scanned then invited to walk around, not through, the metal detector.

Very high profile people like royals or prime minister won't have accreditation cards and will be escorted into the venue by police officers.

I thought you volunteered to be a games maker? In which case you will still be groped.

Is the 100ml liquid restriction anything to do with security of is it just to force you to pay a premium for Olympic park liquids inside the venue?

Well as there isn't any realistic security concern about a bottle of liquid, and of course no other sporting events have this restriction, I would have to say the reasons are to exhibit control of the public, and yes to sell high priced liquid refreshment. Sort of the same as what airports do.

Interesting, I haven't gotten anything, but I assume this applies to all of the venues. They sure aren't making this enjoyable or easy on anyone, are they? To get to the rowing venue, it's looking like it will take at least 1.5 hours. That session starts at 9:30, so I guess I should leave the hotel at 5?!?

Most of the notes are in the brochures that were sent out with the tickets in the UK.

Which venue and where are you staying?

The US Open held last month had airport style security which was broadly similar (albeit quite well organised).

There is a logic to saying "same as an airport" - except it isn't the same as an airport as the bag size is smaller and specified in a different way - one that will be difficult to enforce.

Neil

One way to get around the liquid restriction is to hide a camping water bladder under your shirt. It works at airports a treat :)