Beaudry provides tips for staying safe at The Vet

Students weigh in on guidelines with criticism, support

With Troy’s second home game on the horizon, The Troy University Police Department (TUPD) wants students to understand the stadium’s safety guidelines.  

Troy Athletics photo

Trojan fans cheer from the student section at the football game against Nicholls.

TUPD Chief George Beaudry shared what attendees aren’t allowed to do.  

“If you choose to drink, do it responsibly,” Beaudry said. “I want students to understand that there is a potential criminal charge for public intoxication. 

“Foul language, especially threatening language, will result in an immediate ejection from the stadium. Throwing things on the field is also not allowed.  

High fives with our team after the game is perfectly fine, but contact with the opposing players and coaches is not allowed. The use of tobacco products is also prohibited.” 

*Alex Turner, a junior from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, found herself at the mercy of the stadium’s safety guidelines at the most recent game. 

“I took a hit of my friend’s vape during the first quarter of the game,” Turner said. “I didn’t take the hint that the police had ‘clocked me’ for it. 

“I saw a female officer making the calls to the officers in the stands to pull out the vape-owners. She made the call, but I didn’t realize it was for me.  

With six minutes left in the fourth quarter, I was tapped on the shoulder by an officer in the stands. I was told to either hand him a vape or leave. 

I told him that I did not own a vape nor did I have one on me. Still, he insisted that I leave. 

I even offered myself up to be searched to clear me. Obviously, since I didn’t have a vape on me, I had to leave the stadium.” 

Turner believes some of the guidelines are not appropriate.  

“I’m all for cops enforcing the no smoking rule, but I’m not so sure about profanity,” Turner said. “I’m not sure how words that are mostly directed toward the field affect student safety. 

“If people want to get into screaming matches, they will. I don’t think trying to enforce a profanity filter is going to do anything about it.  

Freedom of speech exists for a reason. We, as the students who pay tens of thousands of dollars to the school, should be able to enjoy ourselves at the games.” 

While some students may not be fond of the guidelines, Garrett Harmon, a senior social science education major from Chelsea, Alabama thinks otherwise.  

“I think it’s wise to have these types of rules,” Harmon said. “I am not a fan of trash-talking, and nobody wants to smell cigarettes while enjoying a game.” 

Beaudry also shared a message for those who want to cause trouble at Troy’s games. 

“If your intent is to come there to create a problem, you won't be here long,” Beaudry said.  “If your initial intent is to cause trouble, you’re likely going to end up in jail.” 

Beaudry also revealed his safety measure suggestions that he recommended to the school’s administration. 

“I’ve recommended a clear bag policy,” Beaudry said. “I think that would help us. 

“I think metal detectors or some type of weapon detection system at our entry points to the stadium would be very beneficial to us. Currently, half of the schools within the Sunbelt Conference use the same system. 

“Most people have an expectation that they’re going to be required to have a clear bag and walk through a metal detector. If we take those steps, I don’t think we’re inconveniencing anybody.  

While we have some cameras around Tailgate Terrace, there is room for improvement. There’s room to update, fix and add cameras.  

We want our fans to be inside the stadium when the football game starts. I also think a time restriction for large groups of people on Tailgate Terrace would be beneficial. 

We want to promote a safe and fun environment, and I think those measures will help us that.” 

If students feel uncomfortable or see suspicious behavior while supporting the Trojans inside Veterans Memorial Stadium, they are encouraged to find a police officer or dial 911.  

*Some students’ names have been changed to protect their anonymity.