1 of 1- Alum '04
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- From: NW Columbia Heights
- Registered: 11/10/2019
- Posts: 407
Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Another year of GW basketball means another year of fans being subject to intrusive and demeaning security screening that make prison entry seem relaxed and accomodating. I believe we are the only major sporting facility in the metro area that does not use the "walk in" metal detectors that do not require fans to empty their pockets and make their valuables vulnerable to theft, get wanded down by security and be subject to power tripping, egomaniac security personnel.
There is nothing that excites me more to attend GW games and spend money at the Smith Center than being barked at by that woman (and it's always her and only her) who works the gate at 22 and G. She'd be better off at FedEx Field, where she can boss around and bark at 40,000 drunk fans eight times a year. As opposed to the same 1,000 fans who attend every GW game and know the policies and the routine. Yes, we get it, you think this makes you better at your job. No, you don't have to scream at us.
It is so par for the course for this university that they're too fucking cheap to buy the walk in style metal detectors and instead subject their loyal fans to a demeaning and obnoxious and totally unnecessary security screening strategy all to save a few bucks. I guess we should all be glad that they haven't instituted body cavity searches yet, though I'm sure that's next on the agenda.
- GW0509
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- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Unsure if the school is necessarily too cheap to in buy the walk-in style detectors since they're spending like $5 million + on the MBB roster but I agree with you the security theater stinks. It especially stinks that students can no longer come with their backpacks. I have fond memories of going to games straight after an evening class.
- Class 'o 70
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- Registered: 11/25/2021
- Posts: 57
Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
I agree....reminiscent of my legal visits to Lorton back in the day
- GWRising
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- Registered: 10/19/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Of all the shit to complain about, you picked this one. Sheesh. Times have changed. Some lunatic may just get stopped. We are in the Nation's Capital. So I don't care about 30 seconds of a security and I would bet 95% of people don't either since I heard no one object last night.
- Gwmayhem
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- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Start up a pleasant conversation with "that woman "and anyone else working security. This will make for a better experience.
Next thing we know, there'll be complaints that the copy machine was running low on ink when they printed out the game programs.....
- Alum '04
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- From: NW Columbia Heights
- Registered: 11/10/2019
- Posts: 407
Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Gwmayhem wrote:
Start up a pleasant conversation with "that woman "and anyone else working security. This will make for a better experience.
Next thing we know, there'll be complaints that the copy machine was running low on ink when they printed out the game programs.....
I'm the customer. She should be striking up a conversation with me instead of barking at everyone.
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Thread Starter- Alum '04
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- From: NW Columbia Heights
- Registered: 11/10/2019
- Posts: 407
Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Of all the shit to complain about, you picked this one. Sheesh. Times have changed. Some lunatic may just get stopped. We are in the Nation's Capital. So I don't care about 30 seconds of a security and I would bet 95% of people don't either since I heard no one object last night.
Lol, you just heard me object to it. Fire the barking woman and I drop my complaints. The rest of the security personnel are pleasant.
And who said anything about getting rid of security? Can you even read? Did Maryland Stadium, Xfinity Center and CapOne Arena "get rid of 30 seconds of security" when they started using the walk through metal detectors?
Do President's Club members get barked at like us regular season ticket holding schlubs? I guess that's an upsell opportunity! Dignity in the security line isn't for regular season ticket holders. You gotta pay for that!
Last edited by Alum '04 (11/03/2026 6:10 pm)
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Thread Starter- Long Suffering Fan
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- Registered: 7/23/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Although not rising to the level of a complaint, I too have noticed that security has gotten more intrusive and a bit more annoying.
- Free Quebec
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- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
It’s not that big a deal, but normally I can just hold my wallet and keys and phone while they wand me, but yesterday they made me put it on the table meaning for a few minutes my wallet was out of sight with my back to it. I think they could fix that retry easily.
- Mike K
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
I believe they initially instituted the additional screening when there was concern of political banners and signs being displayed by protesters.
- Gwmayhem
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
Start up a pleasant conversation with "that woman "and anyone else working security. This will make for a better experience.
Next thing we know, there'll be complaints that the copy machine was running low on ink when they printed out the game programs.....I'm the customer. She should be striking up a conversation with me instead of barking at everyone.
You're right, she should. But chances are that she never will. So, you can complain about it or be the bigger person and initiate a pleasant conversation. Pretty easy choice in the overall scheme of things.
- AT Hiker
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- Registered: 7/26/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
I have to say it bothers me that i can't bring a small pack they can easily check. I take the Metro to the games and like to be able to read on the train.
- BC
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
I have to say it bothers me that i can't bring a small pack they can easily check. I take the Metro to the games and like to be able to read on the train.
I don't know if I ever went to a game without my backpack back in the day. I'd be lost without a book or magazine to pass the time on the train.
- Poog
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- Registered: 7/22/2019
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Re: Smith Center's prison-like security screening policy
I have to say it bothers me that i can't bring a small pack they can easily check. I take the Metro to the games and like to be able to read on the train.
I never go to a sporting event without a book. At both the Smith Center and Capital One Arena I have the book in a clear freezer bag, quart or gallon size depending on the book. Used to stuff the bag in my pocket and walk in with just the visible book. Now I just enter with the book in the bag. No hassle at either venue.