Texans Heading to Super Bowl Could Be Subject to Personal Search

Texas has a lot of places to play. There's 6th Street in Austin, the West End in Dallas, The Stockyards in Fort Worth, and a bar or two I can barely remember from my days in Abilene. But as much as Texas loves its fun, it's got nothing on the parties they throw on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. If you know, you know.

When your nickname is The Big Easy then there are a certain amount of "personal freedoms" that are allowed. In other words, you could getaway with it in New Orleans but that might not fly under the social scrutiny of a town like Plano, Rockwall, or Highland Park.

So it's no wonder why huge events such as the NFL's Super Bowl have chosen the city of New Orleans to host the game 10 other times. When the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet on February 9th it will be the 8th Super Bowl for the Superdome and the eleventh overall for New Orleans.

While fun is the outward message the inward message for this year's big game in the Big Easy will be security. Those entrusted with keeping the French Quarter safe for all guests have been working overtime since the terror attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day.

That's why Louisiana State Police and Governor Jeff Landry announced sweeping security changes in policy and protocol for those who want to visit New Orleans' French Quarter during Super Bowl week. That means for a lot of us who regularly visit the French Quarter things will be a lot different.

Here are some of the new restrictions that guests will face before they are allowed to enter the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone. That zone is defined as the area bordered by Canal, Royal, St. Ann, and Dauphine Streets. Here is a graphic from the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The area outlined in yellow on the above graphic is the Enhanced Security Zone. It will be operational from February 5th through February 10th. You will also notice that a lot of items you used to be able to bring into the French Quarter are either prohibited or strongly discouraged.

Any bag or container that is larger than four and a half inches by six and a half inches, roughly the size of a lady's clutch pocketbook, will be subject to search. You may refuse the search but if you do, you will be denied entrance into the security zone.

Vehicle traffic will be prohibited and vehicles that are parked within the zone after February 5th will be subject to being towed. Guests who have hotel reservations during this time at a French Quarter Hotel should call that property and verify directions to check-in and parking. It is suggested that Bourbon Street hotel guests enter the area via the Dauphine Street or Royal Street entrances.

Those who attend the festivities will also notice a very strong police presence. Many uniformed law enforcement agents and agents working in plain clothes will be on hand.  And as always, if you see something say something, chances are you won't have to go to far to find someone in a position of authority to make your report.