Southeast Missouri State University prepares for first home football game

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Southeast Missouri State University is preparing for the team’s first home football game on Saturday, September 7.

As many students and fans prepare for the game, SEMO Department of Public Safety Administrative Sgt. Jeffery Crites explains new safety precautions they are implementing this season including new weapon detection systems.

“They’re not like traditional metal detectors,” said Crites. “So you don’t have to empty your pockets. You don’t have to clear your bags if you don’t have anything that’s going to activate them. You just walk on through and keep on going. That should save time at the entrances.”

On top of the new systems, the university is also introducing a new clear bag policy for game days.

There will be signs posted at the entrance of the stadium that instruct fans what they can and cannot bring into the stadium.

Along with the first home football game we asked Cape Girardeau Police Officer Bobby Newton where they will be during Saturdays events.

“We got the SEMO District Fair that will be taking off Saturday,” said Officer Newton. “We will have several officers at the parade. A lot of those will go straight from the parade to the SEMO fairgrounds and it will be to provide extra security at the fair start Saturday and the whole week long”

Crites says the SEMO DPS is ready for the first home game.

“We will be at the game to make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe,” he said.