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Metal Detectors The New Norm At Many Denver-Area Concert Venues

By Lauren DiSpirito

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. (CBS4) - As fans approached last Friday's Lyle Lovett concert at Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, they were directed to walk through a metal detector before entering the venue.

AEG Live, which operates the venue, says over the next two to three months, it will deploy walk-through metal detectors at all of its locations. The added security was in part prompted by the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, one of which targeted a music hall.

Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre Metal Detectors
(credit: CBS)

"Unfortunately, this is where we need to be," said Brent Fedrizzi, co-president and chief operating officer of AEG Live Rocky Mountains. "We look at it as a positive, let's get these measures in place and show the public we do care about their safety as well as the safety of the bands themselves."

Fans told CBS4 they didn't mind the extra security step.

"We were forewarned through an email, through the ticket agency," Terri Sloan, of Loveland, said. "I think it's good."

Others said the move is a sign of the times.

"It's a necessity, it's not good, but with what's going on in the world, I don't blame them a bit," said LeAnn Marshall, attending the concert.

Last year's attacks in Paris highlighted that no venue is immune to the potential for violence.

"It's a fact of life anymore and you better be safe than sorry," said John Fey, of Canon City, adding, "The old days are over."

A total of 26 metal detectors were deployed for Friday's concert. AEG Live says the number used at each of its Denver area venues will be determined by the size of the audience. Those venues include the Bluebird Theater, Gothic Theater, the Odgen Theater and 1stBank Center in Broomfield.

Lauren DiSpirito reports for CBS4 News at 10 p.m. She covers breaking news and feature stories along Colorado's Front Range. Follow her on Twitter @CBS4Lauren. Share your story ideas with her here.

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