An expected 12,000 fans will watch Aerosmith make its appearance at Hilton Coliseum Friday night, along with an increased number of law-enforcement officers.

Officials from the Ames Police, Department of Public Safety, the Story County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Center will work in a joint security effort for the concert. Also included in the mix will be the band’s own security team, which travels with them from venue to venue.

Because of the Sept. 11 attacks and the threat of anthrax that has been sweeping through the country, Aerosmith security officials have asked that a few extra security measures be put into place. Aerosmith officials also ask fans to leave packages, gifts, cards and flowers at home.

“We get packages for just about every concert,” said Mark Miller, director of programming for the Iowa State Center. “People sending pictures, sending cards, wanting certain songs played. The band will not be accepting any of these things. That is the only real change.”

Miller said a lot of the individual security details were not finalized until this morning. A lot of the security that will be used for the concert will not differ from any other concert, he said.

“Security at the front door, security on the ramps, overnight security on the buses and rat patrol – these are all normal security measures for a concert like this,” Miller said.

Ames Police also will play an active roll in the security effort. Uniformed officers will be present on Beach Avenue and Elwood Drive before the concert and will move into the arena for extra precaution.

“As many as three or four officers will be working different areas of the facility,” said Sgt. Mike Johns of Ames Police Department.

“Since Sept. 11, most of the groups that are traveling are requiring extra security for their transport vehicles and unloading equipment. Aerosmith is no exception.”

Johns said the band also has requested a security escort to and from the arena.

Jerry Stewart, interim director of DPS, said the Aerosmith concert will be treated just like any other concert in the Iowa State Center.

Guests are subject to visual and possibly pat searches, he said. All the searches will be conducted by Iowa State Center staff.

Iowa State Center officials also remind fans that cameras, bottles, cans, alcohol, recording devices, laser pointers, fireworks, aerosol cans, pocket knives, tools and weapons are prohibited from Iowa State Center events. Umbrellas, backpacks and bags larger than a purse are also discouraged.

Iowa State Center officials expect a crowd of 12,000 for the concert, but they say tickets still remain for the event.