New security measures in place for Kraziness in Kennel, Gonzaga basketball season

It hasn’t been a problem through the years, but there are additional reasons for fans to arrive early Saturday for the annual Numerica Kraziness in the Kennel.

And for Gonzaga men’s and women’s home basketball games throughout the season, for that matter.

Gonzaga has beefed up security for all events at the McCarthey Athletic Center. The school has adopted a clear bag policy – purses will not be allowed, but clutches measuring 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches will be permitted – and fans will be required to go through metal detectors or hand wands at the north and south entrances.

The school encourages fans to arrive early Saturday and on game nights this season, because the new procedures will slow the entry process. There will be express lanes designated for patrons not carrying bags or larger metal items. The clear bags – maximum size 12 inches x 6 x 12 – allow staff to quickly check the bag’s contents.

“It’s a national trend,” said Rob Kavon, associate athletic director for facilities and event operations. “Most large venues that hold larger sporting events have instituted the clear bag policy and metal detectors. The overall goal is to keep everybody safe and have that comfort level of knowing everyone that comes in has gone through metal detectors.”

For additional information, contact (509) 313-6000 or visit gozags.com/sports/2018/7/26/clear-bag-policy-faq.aspx.

Admission to Kraziness in the Kennel is free and is the public’s first opportunity to see the 2018-19 team.

Fans have traditionally arrived early, with lines extending to the soccer complex at the south entrance. Weather permitting, there will be a carnival with inflatables and other activities on the south lawn from noon to 2:45 p.m. Arena doors open at 3, with the event scheduled for 4.

There will be player and coaching staff introductions, a 3-point shooting contest, a dunk contest and a blue-white scrimmage. Following the scrimmage, players will sign autographs in the concourse, with posters and schedule cards provided by the school. No outside items will be allowed during the autograph session.

Josh Perkins, Zach Norvell Jr., Killian Tillie and freshman Filip Petrusev are expected to compete in the 3-point contest. Defending champion Perkins and runner-up Norvell ranked 1-2 on the team in made 3-pointers last season. Tillie led the Zags at 47.9 percent beyond the arc. The 6-foot-11 Petrusev possesses interior and perimeter scoring ability.

The dunk contest features Brandon Clarke, Rui Hachimura, Corey Kispert and freshman Greg Foster Jr.

Geno Crandall will not be on hand. The North Dakota transfer is working on his undergraduate degree. If he completes the requirements, he would enroll for GU graduate classes (which begin Oct. 23) and become eligible immediately as a grad transfer.

The best-case scenario for the 6-4 guard’s arrival in Spokane is probably mid-October.