Some things are better left at home.
Knowing the list of items prohibited from entering Jordan-Hare stadium on game day can mean the difference between a perfect Saturday and a night in jail.
"These policies are in place to protect students," said Cassie Arner, associate director of strategic communications with the athletic department. "Auburn doesn't do anything differently from any other SEC school on game day."
Arner said the stated purpose of the list is to promote the best interest of all who participate, from the out-of-state fans all the way up to Nick Marshall and Gus Malzahn.
Items su,ch as umbrellas, large bags and moveable stadium seats are banned from the stadium.
Umbrellas are prohibited because they block others' view and are potentially harmful, while moveable stadium seats infringe on others' personal space.
Cameras with interchangeable lenses, lenses larger than four inches and all video cameras are prohibited during games to protect the players and the Auburn brand, said Arner.
Disruptive objects, such as artificial noisemakers, are prohibited, except in certain situations where SEC Commissioner Mike Slive grants permission. The cowbells of Mississippi State are the latest example and were granted a special use policy in 2010, which still exists despite repeat offenses.
Smoking, electronic or otherwise, while prohibited inside the stadium, is available in the northeast, northwest, southeast and southwest corners of the lower concourse and on stadium ramps.
Alcohol is not on the list of prohibited items. Alcohol violations, however, still bear distinction, as offenders can fall under the jurisdiction of the Auburn Police Department (APD).
Alcohol is forbidden inside the stadium, regardless of age or seat section and can result in ejection and cancellation of that day's games, according to the Athletic Event Alcohol Policy section of the student handbook.
While there are penalties for those who break the law, police and security are counting on the cooperation of spectators to resolve matters without incident.
Auburn Police Department Captain Tommy Carswell, 25-year-veteran of the APD, said law enforcement will act when necessary, but would prefer to handle business outside of the station.
"It's all conduct driven," Carswell said. "We really try to resolve issues there informally. We give everybody the chance to correct themselves with those types of problems. We're not there to make arrests, we're there to resolve issues so everybody can enjoy the game and everybody can be safe."
Prohibited items, excluding weapons and pets, can be securely checked and stored up to three hours before game time at the scholarship entrance.
Guests will have up to an hour after the game ends to retrieve their belongings.
Compliance is necessary to the success of the Jordan-Hare security system and it's asked that all who attend a football game this season follow the rules and leave harmful or disruptive items at home.
"As far as the list of prohibited items goes, I believe campus security and the Auburn Police Division have identified those that can either endanger or take away from a student fully enjoying their game day experience," said Student Government Association President Logan Powell. "As long as security is doing a good job in this and protecting students, I trust their expertise."
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