Oakland

Paris Attacks Prompt NFL to Beef Up Security Ahead of Raiders Game Against Vikings at Oakland Coliseum

All of the NFL's 32 teams have been advised to take extra precautions.

NFL stadiums around the country are beefing up security in light of Friday's devastating terrorist attacks in Paris.

Fans took notice of the uptick in law enforcement officials during Sunday’s Raiders game at the Oakland Coliseum.

"I think it’s great,” Matt Kenny said. “Fifty thousand people in one stadium are sitting ducks.”

Others, however, were unsure if an increase in security would translate to an increase in safety.

"I’m not sure if I’d pull the trigger [on allocating funds for extra security]," Jay Bond said. "But I think they’re making the best decision they can."

In a statement, NFL officials said they instructed the league's teams to bolster security provisions as a precaution, emphasizing that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security have not detected any specific threats at football venues.

Once inside the Coliseum, football fans were quickly informed that they would see extra security officers on standby.

Attendees also were limited in terms of items they could carry inside the venue -- even seemingly innocent plastic bags had to meet size and safety criteria. 

Still, most saw the limitations as a small price to pay for peace of mind.

"It could happen anywhere,” said Raiders fan Gina Hilderbrand, when asked if what happened in Paris could happen on Bay Area soil.

Safety has long been a concern of the NFL, which has mandated metal detectors and limits to items allowed inside venues. But there has been a noteable increase in the precautions after the Paris gun-and-bomb attacks with even the Oakaldn Police Department beefing up its security presence.

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