BALTIMORE, Md. - Since 1996, Baltimore Raven fans have made their way to M&T Bank Stadium. Sunday they flocked to the parking lot to tailgate. This week, as a result of the Paris attacks, there was more security in the parking lots.
In a statement the NFL said:
"The safety of our fans, stadium personnel, and teams at all NFL games is our priority, and security at our games is robust. Our procedures have been certified and designated by the Department of Homeland Security since 2008 as effective anti-terrorism technology. All NFL clubs use mandatory metal detector screening and multiple layers of perimeter security external to the stadium to safeguard fans and the stadium from explosive threats.
Following the events in Paris on Friday, we are closely monitoring events and have been in communication with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, which have informed us that there are no known threats against NFL stadiums.
In addition to our standard procedures described above, there will be an increased security and law enforcement presence both inside and outside stadiums in the parking lots of our stadiums this weekend. We have been in contact with clubs hosting games to reinforce our standard procedures and the league's best practices.
We strongly recommend that fans do not bring bags with them to the stadium. If it is essential to bring a bag, it must be in compliance with the clear bag policy which requires that it be made of clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and not exceed 12" x 6" x 12." It is important that all fans comply with these requirements, and we appreciate their efforts to cooperate with these security measures.
The NFL and team security departments work closely with stadium operation personnel and federal, state, and local law enforcement to provide a safe experience for the more than 17 million fans who annually attend NFL games. The NFL and its teams continually evaluate and improve our comprehensive security plan."
Ravens fans were grateful for more security.
"I feel secure in the fact that our military is protecting us. That our government is protecting us and I feel that you know, we are safe," said Joanne Dewey.
Dewey added she feels for the people of Paris.
"It shouldn’t be we are afraid to go out of our homes. I think if that’s the case then they win. I don’t feel that we should be afraid to go out and enjoy events," she said.