Going to Heinz Field Tonight...

**ManWithNoName** · August 13th, 2009, 10:53 AM

My girlfriend and I are going to the preseason game tonight at Heinz field, but there is a problem. As I understand it Heinz field has a no weapons policy. http://news.steelers.com/heinzfield/...securityguide/ What are my options for defending myself? I have a PA LTCF and carry every day.

I don't want to break any laws, and I don't want to be defenseless. I know some may say "Just leave it in the car and deal with it." Unfortunately, parking is going to be a bitch tonight for sure. There will be a walk involved. I am even considering riding the T into Gateway Center. Another option would be to park at Rivers Casino, but they will charge 50 bucks for parking unless I gamble 80. I want to avoid this option.

I doubt that I could even get in with OC spray. My smallest pistol is a Wilson CQB Compact, but I may be able to get a hold of a P3AT if I'm lucky for pocket carry. I don't have a smart carry holster. Does anybody have experience with Heinz field security? Metal detectors? I'm really fishing for ideas here.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

**met152** · August 13th, 2009, 10:59 AM

Personally I have never tried carrying at Heinz Field, however I've been to many games. They do a very quick pat, when you're entering the stadium. No metal detectors, no thorough search. I have been able to carry in a 20oz water bottle (filled with... not water

) placed inside my belt at 12 oclock.

Depending on your holster and location, you may get past. OC spray is not allowed if found. Maybe try relocating holster to 12 oclock temporarily and then adjusting once you're inside.

**AFVet45** · August 13th, 2009, 10:27 PM

I agrree with Met... though I haven't been to a lot of games, I've been to a few.
I've never felt like I needed to carry inside... maybe walking downtown at night, but to/from the game, I think security is pretty good, plus you're in the crowd.
I wouldn't risk it personally... unless you got free tickets and don't mind risking getting turned around.
Enjoy...

**ManWithNoName** · August 14th, 2009, 12:24 PM

Thanks for your responses guys. My concern wasn't so much how to sneak a weapon into the stadium, it was about protecting myself when I wasn't inside. If I were to take the ferry or the T, then I would have had no choice but to take it in with me since there wouldn't be a place to store it. Luckily I found a parking space close enough that it wasn't an issue. I just don't want to walk a considerable distance in the city at night unarmed.

I hope nobody misunderstands me, I don't advocate breaking the rules and especially don't advocate breaking the law. Sometimes we have to make a decision to arm ourselves, or trust someone else to protect us. I trust myself.

Interestingly, the security guard bumped the empty Serpa holster on my belt while frisking me down. He didn't seem interested at all. The holster was covered by an unbuttoned overshirt. I got through no questions asked.