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December 18th, 2019, 07:20 PM #1
Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
Jeremy Reynolds
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
jreynolds@post-gazette.com
Dec 18, 2019
4:44 PM
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has announced that security screening will begin on patrons at Heinz Hall on Jan. 17.
The security measures include screening equipment currently in use at Lincoln Center in New York City and many other venues. They will apply to PSO concerts and other events at the Downtown venue.
The symphony will implement a “free-flow” system created by Evolv Technology of Boston. Instead of metal detectors and bag checks, Evolv scanners capture images as ticket holders enter the hall and scan for weapons. Heinz Hall will not retain the images, officials said.
Ticket buyers will be able to walk through the new scanners unimpeded, keeping coats and bags on their person. There will not be a bag search, though the symphony reserves the right to check patrons’ bags as they enter the hall as is current policy.
In October 2018, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust implemented security measures for its Downtown venues including the Benedum Center, Byham Theater, August Wilson Center and O’Reilly Theater. At those venues, security measures include metal detectors and bag inspections that have increased the amount of time it takes to get into the theaters.
The PSO, which owns Heinz Hall, has been in discussions about implementing security measures for more than a year but has waited until a technology appeared that would not inconvenience ticket buyers.
“We take safety very seriously and are implementing additional measures to continue to assure that we provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all,” Melia Tourangeau, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement.
For patrons using wheelchairs or ones who do not wish to pass through the scanners, personnel will be on hand to search bags and use wands to check them, as is the case at Cultural Trust-owned venues.
Why now? Added security is becoming commonplace at cultural institutions around the country and is required for certain companies like Disney Theatrical Group and Live Nation. Touring shows continue to reserve the right to require additional security measures.
In a statement, the orchestra encouraged Heinz Hall patrons to begin arriving earlier after Jan. 17. Doors open at least an hour before all events at Heinz Hall.
Kevin Wilkes, the trust’s chief security officer, said the technology being rolled out at Heinz Hall was not available when screening began in 2018 at trust-owned venues. If it works as promised, he said the trust will explore using the technology at its Downtown theaters.
He added that the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has screened more than 700,000 theatergoers since the rollout and has confiscated items ranging from knives and stun guns to cans of pepper spray and bottles of wine.
Jeremy Reynolds: jreynolds@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1634; twitter: @Reynolds_PG."No, it's just a machine. I'm the weapon." - Jack Harper in Oblivion
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December 18th, 2019, 09:44 PM #2
Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
Is this due to all of the shootings that have taken place inside Heinz Hall?
Power always thinks...that it is doing God's service when it is violating all his laws.
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December 18th, 2019, 09:48 PM #3Grand Member
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Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
Aggies Coach Really ??? Take off the tin foil bro.
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December 18th, 2019, 10:01 PM #4
Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
Yeah they sent an email today as well. Sad.
Life has a melody. Not great, not terrible.
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December 18th, 2019, 10:02 PM #5
Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
This article actually gets to the truth of the matter...,
" certain companies like Disney Theatrical Group and Live Nation."
If these venues want to continue to get shows from the biggest producers, they have to comply. Follow the $$$Life has a melody. Not great, not terrible.
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December 19th, 2019, 08:21 AM #6
Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
How does it work? Is it a big ass back scatter xray? If I have a foil lined coat on would it still work?
I guess it doesn't really matter. I'm not a big theater person and I stopped buying their gift certificates when they started their own security theater last year.
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December 19th, 2019, 02:19 PM #7Grand Member
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Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
The last paragraph of the article states:
He (Kevin Wilkes, the trust’s chief security officer) added that the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has screened more than 700,000 theatergoers since the rollout and has confiscated items ranging from knives and stun guns to cans of pepper spray and bottles of wine.
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February 1st, 2020, 09:31 PM #8
Re: Heinz Hall to start security screening in January
^^^^
I would love to know the legality of that too.
From their website on their policy: https://www.pittsburghsymphony.org/p...sked-questions
Bag and Personal Belongings Policy
Heinz Hall reserves the right to search any bags entering the facility. Oversized bags must fit comfortably under a seat to ensure the safety of patrons entering or exiting seats and aisles. Bags failing to meet these requirements must be checked at which time a search will be conducted by security or returned to your vehicle. You are encouraged to leave personal computers and iPads at home, as they are required to be turned off during performances.
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