WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — Fans attending the 2013 Greenbrier Classic in July need to pay close attention to the list of approved items they can bring to the event. Events in Boston and other parts of the country prompted changes in this year’s security plan.
“There’s always something going on different, so we have to be ready for everything,” said Bill Kershner, operations officer for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. “This year everyone will get a set of instructions when they get their badge and tickets to the event and a few things have changed.”
“You can bring the chair, you just can’t bring the bag. Backpacks obviously are completely forbidden.” — Bill Kershner, WV Homeland Security
The most noticeable change will be no backpacks or bags of any kind can be brought onto the grounds of the Greenbrier. The new rule even extends to the bags the popular portable chairs are stored in.
“You can bring the chair, you just can’t bring the bag,” Kershner said. “Backpacks obviously are completely forbidden.”
Kershner said you need to leave all bags at home or in your car because you won’t even be allowed to bring them onto the shuttle bus. He said that could cause a delay if you have to return it to your car and wait for the next bus. However, he added it will speed up the security lines for getting into the resort for the tournament.
“We try to make it as enjoyable an experience as we can,” he said. “My goal is to have the event start and finish and they don’t know we’ve ever been there. These things are put in place for public safety.”
Kershner said authorities have taken considerable steps to beef up security from last year’s event, though he wouldn’t elaborate on the upgrades. He said it’s unlikely anybody would notice anything different other than the backpack and chair restrictions.
The Greenbrier Classic is scheduled for the week of July 1-7.