SAN DIEGO - The opening game of the NCAA Tournament between Alabama and Marquette on Thursday was pushed back by 70 minutes after bomb sniffing dogs found a suspicious package in a food cart in Cox Arena at San Diego State University.
A robot was then sent to analyze the package, which was found to be harmless. The bomb squad then determined that the package "wasn't a hazard, explosive or biohazard associated with that cart," according to Lt. Robert McManus of the police department at San Diego State University. The food cart was then taken away from the scene.
"It has been removed not because we thought it was a hazard, but we want to determine what substance, if any, the dog alerted on," McManus explained. "Once that incident went down, the security protocols went back to square one and we did another sweep (of the building) until the major players were satisfied."
He added that there was nothing unusual about the food cart, "Just a standard food cart, condiment cart with doors underneath. Ketchup, mustard, all those other relishes were on it." The dogs alerted police about the package about two hours before the game was scheduled to begin. Police immediately cordoned off the Arena and after it was confirmed that the package was harmless, they conducted another sweep of the arena before allowing the fans into the stadium.
Fire Department spokesman Maurice Luque said the package contained plastic eating utensils, napkins and Styrofoam cups, “The gates hadn't been opened up to the public, but there were a handful of vendors inside, and they were asked to evacuate as a precaution," he added. The bomb scare came even as the FBI had warned of Internet chatter that targeted major sports events in the United States.
"We will continue to remain vigilant in our security planning throughout our tournament, and the safety and security of our student-athletes, teams and fans is paramount," the NCAA said in a statement issued after the games began. Meanwhile, police are investigating the package to determine what exactly set off the dogs.
