New Dodger Stadium security measures highlighted by permanent metal detectors.

Getty Images

Getty Images

Security measures at Dodger Stadium have been beefed up to comply with new MLB guidelines. The most conspicuous change: Permanent metal detectors, which were installed at all stadium entrances over the off-season. They’ll make their debut when the Dodgers host the Angels on Saturday.

There’s more to it than that. The Dodgers issued the following press release Tuesday:

Dodger fans will experience new security procedures set forth by Major League Baseball beginning with the Freeway Series finale on Saturday, April 4 with the Angels and running through the 2015 MLB season.

Major League Baseball will be implementing new mandatory security procedures through a metal detector-enhanced screening process. This procedure, which resulted from a recent study of best security practices and MLB’s continuing work with the Department of Homeland Security to elevate and standardize initiatives across the game, will be in addition to bag checks that have been uniform throughout MLB. Fan screening may be conducted by means of hand-held metal detection or walk-through magnetometers.

These procedures were utilized periodically at certain gates during the 2014 season and all 30 Major League Baseball teams will institute these procedures this year.

Dodger ownership puts the importance of the fan experience, including fan safety, first and foremost.

While Dodger Stadium staff will make every effort to ensure this process doesn’t delay fan entry into the stadium, the Dodgers appreciate everyone’s patience, as this new procedure begins. Fans are asked to observe the following protocol:

· Guests are encouraged to arrive early to minimize wait times

· Guests are not required to remove their belts, shoes, jackets, wallets, keys or coins before walking through the metal detector

· All bags will continue to be checked upon entry into Dodger Stadium

· Guests are encouraged to minimize the amount of items they bring into the stadium

· Only bags with dimensions that comply with the MLB standard of 16”x16”x8” will be admitted

· Guests are asked to place large metal objects such as cell phones and sunglass cases, on screening tables before walking through the metal detectors

· Guests with strollers, those in wheelchairs, or with medical devices that set off metal detectors will be offered an alternative screening method.

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About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.