The Green Bay Packers and Green Bay Police Department today reminded fans to expect hand searches upon entering Lambeau Field for the balance of the 2005 season.

The measures are to further enhance fan safety and comfort. Fans are encouraged to arrive early at stadium gates to help facilitate this additional security measure. All fans entering Lambeau Field will be subject to and should expect to be patted down by security personnel before going through stadium gates.

"Pat downs" of fans entering NFL stadiums have taken place on a frequent basis in recent years, including Lambeau Field. Following discussion at a recent league meeting, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue and the NFL clubs determined that these hand searches should be a required element of stadium security procedures at all NFL games.

"This new requirement is not a result of any specific threat information," said Commissioner Tagliabue. "It is in recognition of the significant additional security that 'pat-downs' offer, as well as the favorable experience that our clubs and fans have had using 'pat-downs' as part of a comprehensive stadium security plan."

Several NFL teams successfully used pat-downs as part of stadium security procedures last season. Hand searches of all fans entering stadiums also were employed during all NFL playoff games last season. Pat-downs at stadium gates have been part of the Super Bowl security plan since 2002.