Arts of Southern Kentucky will soon take proactive measures to ensure the safety of all visitors to SKyPAC. Effective Sept. 20, enhanced security protocols to all ticketed events will go into effect.

The measures include enhanced screening processes, including bag checks and the use of metal detectors at entry points; restrictions on the size and type of bags allowed into the venue (only clear bags no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 6 inches will be admitted); and clarifying acceptable and prohibited items.

A statement from SKyPAC said, “This decision reflects the times we’re living in. Whether at local venues or across the U.S., enhanced security measures like clear bag policies have become standard. Patrons quickly adapt, and it becomes part of their event routine. We hope this transition will be smooth for everyone, as it’s all about ensuring the safety and well-being of our guests while providing the best possible experience.”

Arts of Southern Kentucky President and CEO Jeff Reed said recent tragic events and the evolving security climate led to the decision for improved security measures.

“We are enforcing these measures due to the general climate in which we live,” he said. “Obviously, the recent shootings in both Kentucky and Georgia add to that concern.”

Reed said there have been discussions about security for several months on what could be done to protect the patrons of SKyPAC.

“We have looked at security measures taken with the Hot Rods and several other different venues,” he said. “We have looked at places in Paducah and Beaver Dam. We knew we could do a better job, so we talked to our security team, which is made up of police officers, and the executive committee made the decision to implement this.”

The measures will be enforced to all patrons of ticketed events, but if someone is stopping in to just purchase tickets, there is no screening involved.

Reed said research was conducted on how Bowling Green compares to area venues of all sizes – “from smaller towns to Nashville, to see if what we were doing is reasonable.”

“We didn’t take this decision lightly,” he said. “We know it might be considered an inconvenience for some, but we are charged with the safety of our patrons and we don’t think we should compromise that.”

Some of the prohibited items include weapons (with our without a permit), knives (including pocketknives), pepper spray/mace, oversized bags, noise making devices, posters/signs, open flames, bottles, outside food and beverages and video cameras.

A complete list of prohibited items can be found at https://www.theskypac.com.