California requires professional stadiums to post security numbers visible from stands, parking lots

Governor Brown signed a bill (AB 2464) Friday to deter violence at sports stadiums and arenas.

The new law, that takes effect in January, requires stadiums to prominently post a number that fans can call or text to report violence to stadium security. The numbers have to be visible to the stands, entryways and in parking lots.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-LA) introduced the bill in reaction to the brutal March beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow in the parking lot of Dodger Stadium on opening day, 2011 — and other recent incidents at stadiums.

Gatto says in many cases the violence lasted several minutes while frantic witnesses dialed 911 for help.
He says giving fans a number for security inside the stadium should mean a quicker response that could prevent more serious injuries.

Gatto attended games at Dodger Stadium as a child, where his father worked. In a written statement, he says “It has become apparent that we need to act to keep the action at professional games on the field and out of the stands."

Gatto’s bill originally called for stadiums to keep a list of people banned for past violence. Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, opposed that aspect of the measure over privacy concerns.