Phillies to install metal detectors at Citizens Bank Park

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- If you are going to a Phillies game in the next few weeks, you might have to walk through a metal detector to enter the ballpark.

Starting July 21st, as part of an MLB-mandated pilot program, fans entering Citizens Bank Park through the Right Field Gate will be required to pass through a metal detector immediately before their tickets are scanned, the Phillies announced in a press release on Monday.

All cell phones, cameras and other large metal items will need to be removed prior to passing through the metal detectors.

However, unlike the standards of the Transportation Security Administration at airports like Philadelphia International Airport, fans will not need to remove their shoes and belts.

These new procedures are in addition to bag checks, which are already in place in accordance with Major League Baseball security regulations. As before, bags must be no larger than 16" x 16" x 8."

"The safety of our guests is our top priority," Sal DeAngelis, Phillies Director of Operations/Security, said in a statement. "We fully support MLB's efforts to implement these enhanced security measures, and look forward to working with them during this pilot program. Next year, we expect that metal detectors will be at all entrance gates."

As a result of MLB's work with the Department of Homeland Security, by the start of the 2015 season, all clubs will be required to implement a program for screening every fan prior to entry at each Major League ballpark.

The metal detectors will be installed at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, July 7th.