Cracking down on NFL security measures

BUFFALO, N.Y (WIVB) - The new season of Bills football also means another season of tailgating outside Ralph Wilson stadium.

While Western New York is also known for its food, especially when football is involved, new security measures are trying to make sure people have a good time as well as stay responsible.

This year at stadiums across the NFL, anyone who gets into a fight at the game will not only be kicked out for the rest of the game, but for the rest of the season. These consequences will be done unless you take a four-hour online fan-conduct class.

"Also new this year, every fan before they walk through these gates, will be subject to a metal detector test," says News 4's Anthony Congi.

But what do Bills fans think of the changes? Everyone I talked to says it's a good idea.

Anthony Duch from Toronto says, "It's all about having a good time. Let the players play, let us enjoy the game, everybody have fun; little comradery, a little bit of jabbing but no violence, no fighting, let's have fun."

"Obviously it's going to make it more safe and more of a family atmosphere. So we're just trying to make sure we're not crossing any lines and the fact that they're going to do that keeping people to be more accountable for their actions," says South Buffalo fan Rich Manley.

Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard hopes the new rules will crackdown on stadium violence and drunk drivers. He says, "It's sad that it had to come with that but yet that's helping us to get the message out. Don't come here and drink and then try to drive and don't come here and drink to the level that you can't behave responsibly."

To make sure those taking care of their friends and family aren't forgotten, the local chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers spent the day passing out flyers about free non-alcoholic drinks inside the stadium.

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers President Beth Obad says, "We just want to have a sober designated driver to get everybody home safely and prevent tragedy or preventing the individual from getting a DWI."

Those who sign up to be designated drivers at each home game will also be entered into a drawing to win two Super Bowl tickets.