Iowa State is heightening its security measures Saturday when an expected 40,000 fans will fill Jack Trice Stadium to watch the Cyclone football team play Baylor.

However, students and staff say they are not concerned about threats to safety in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

ISU athletics director Bruce Van De Velde said several steps will be taken to increase security at the stadium.

The stadium will be locked for sweeping Friday rather than Saturday morning, he said. Any bag larger than a purse will be searched at the gates, and additional police law enforcement officials will be around the stadium, Van De Velde said.

Jason Rohlf, junior in engineering operations, said he is not worried about problems at Jack Trice.

“I don’t see how they would target ISU,” he said. “Iowa State doesn’t have any influence in the world in comparison to the World Trade Center or the Pentagon.”

Nate Eagles, sophomore in mechanical engineering, said he has no fears about entering the stadium.

“I feel totally secure,” he said. “I don’t feel it is likely that anything would happen in the game.”

Eagles said he thinks the extra security will be appreciated by Cyclone fans.

“I think it is good public relations,” he said. “It will have a positive impact. It will give the public peace of mind and set the public’s minds at ease.”

Rohlf said fans want to know that they are being protected.

“I think they are doing this to help feel more secure and to keep the people happy,” he said.

Van De Velde said fans should not be too concerned.

“We’re certain that this is a safe environment,” he said. “The last thing I want is people to overreact and not enjoy the game experience. I hope the security measures are not noticeable by fans.”

The heightened security is not much different from other games, Van De Velde said.

“We’re always concerned about security, but there’s not cause for alarm,” he said. “We’re going to ensure people a safe environment.”ecision