Cedar Park Center Beefs Up Security

CEDAR PARK, TX -- Cedar Park Center officials have beefed up their security measures in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., according to an internal email obtained by Patch Media.

Austin talk radio radio station KLBJ reported on the revamped security measures on Friday, citing an internal memorandum obtained by one of their reports. Anchor/reporter Carol Nelson provided a copy of the email to Patch Media, in which sweeping changes in security protocol are outlined.

Rick McLaughlin, the general manager of the concert and sports venue, declined comment when reached by Patch Media, pointing instead to its various social media sites—including the Texas Stars Hockey sites along with the main one for the center—to view the new procedures. He declined to comment whether the new protocols were prompted by recent terrorist attacks.

“We’re referring everybody to our social media sites,” he said, before ending the conversation.

But the internal memo authored by McLaughlin leaves no room for doubt as to the root of the changes: “In light of recent world and domestic acts of violence, there is a renewed and intensified concern about public safety at stadiums, arenas and other public places where fans gather to see sports and live entertainment,” McLaughlin wrote.

“In response to these attacks, we have been reviewing our Cedar Park Center security protocols and making adjustments in several areas. Some of these adjustments have come from league governing authorities while others are specific to our building.”

He then provides Cedar Park Center employees with a summary of the changed security procedures.

“The following new security procedures will be instituted effective Friday, December 11th for ALL Cedar Park Center events: (1) Upon arrival for all events, all individuals entering the building for any reason will be required to receive a full security screening including a hand-held wand screen as well as bag search. (2) Moving forward, we will not permit anyone entering the building to bring in backpacks, duffel bags, or other large bags unless it is specifically required to carry materials for your work here at CPC, and please note that the bag will be thoroughly searched.”

Those changes apply to everyone, he noted: “This extends to (but is not limited to) business guests, full-time and event staff, contractors, vendors, corporate partners, guests, players, coaches, officials, artists, and touring crew.”
McLaughlin urged his staff, suggesting they represent the first line of defense through their vigilance of suspicious activity.

“We will keep everyone updated on any additional new procedures and policies as they are implemented,” he wrote. “In addition, please be extra vigilant while on-site and on-post here at CPC. We each play a role in maintaining a safe and secure environment so never be afraid or hesitant to say something to security if you see or hear something suspicious.”

When reached, Nelson questioned McLaughlin’s evasiveness when asked to comment on the new protocols. She said it was to the entertainment venue’s credit they are beefing up security measures in light of heightened security issues world-wide, and McLaughlin should convey the new steps to the public when asked about them.

“He was very curt with us, and didn’t offer us an interview,” Nelson said. “Clearly, everyone is concerned about security—particularly in those kinds of venues. It would be silly for them not to attribute it [the new security guidelines] to that.”

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks in Paris last month claimed the lives of 130 people through suicide bombings and mass shootings at cafés, restaurant and music venues. The Paris attacks were preceded by the Dec. 2 mass shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., during which a pair of Islamic extremist-inspired terrorists killed 14 people and wounded 22 others.

Completed in 2009, the Cedar Park Center is a live entertainment venue that is the home of several athletic teams, including the Austin Spurs minor league franchise affiliated with the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball team. The center has an 8,700-seat capacity.