Just wanted to report back about a CC experience since it seems like some people have had issues with it over on OC. I had talked to SPD last time I was there to find out the rules. Every staffer I had asked had no clue that they checked firearms. At the front entrance you just show the ticket guy your conceal permit. He will call an SPD officer over. This is where it gets fun. I was escorted back to the security office by 2 officers. You fill out a form in there book with the info and then you place your firearm into the locker. You lock it and take the key. At no point did they look at the firearm, ask to see it, etc. They weren't even looking at me when I drew it and placed it in the lock box. On the form it says to call a number and SPD will escort you back. I asked the officer if this was accurate. He told me to try and find them after the show. If I couldn't just go back to the security office. So of course I couldn't find them afterwards, so I went straight to the office. I claimed my firearm as well as taking the login slip like it says. I then ask the guy in the security booth if I need to leave via the side entrance or through the front door. He tells me I can leave eitherway. To me that seems a little odd. I need to be escorted back to check it, but I can wander the facility afterwards while everyone is streaming out with no problem? To me that kinda says the check-in has nothing to do with safety or security, and more to be a deterrent to carrying firearms. Either way I'm glad it went smooth with no hassle at all. Just thought I'd share.

Huh?

I've never checked my firearm at Key Arena? Baseball or football.

Each venue and sporting event will have various areas that it will focus more on than others. Just have to blend in and carry appropriately (e.g. football games... deep carry).

Interesting that they were so strict going in but going out.... seems like they dropped the ball.

Interesting, but kinda cool too. I honestly will carry where ever legal, that includes sports arenas etc. I think an arena is the last place I would want to be without my gun, but also the last place I would ever want to have to use it. It's the worst of both worlds really.

I was under the impression that KeyArena is actually considered one of those areas where you legitimately cannot carry, hence the reason for the lock boxes. Can someone correct me if I'm wrong? I'm all for being able to carry wherever and whenever, but like most I do prefer my freedom and really would prefer not to get in trouble with the law.

Here is what I have so far.


RCW 9.41.300
(2) Cities, towns, counties, and other municipalities may enact laws and ordinances:

(a) Restricting the discharge of firearms in any portion of their respective jurisdictions where there is a reasonable likelihood that humans, domestic animals, or property will be jeopardized. Such laws and ordinances shall not abridge the right of the individual guaranteed by Article I, section 24 of the state Constitution to bear arms in defense of self or others; and

(b) Restricting the possession of firearms in any stadium or convention center, operated by a city, town, county, or other municipality, except that such restrictions shall not apply to:

(i) Any pistol in the possession of a person licensed under RCW 9.41.070 or exempt from the licensing requirement by RCW 9.41.060; or

(ii) Any showing, demonstration, or lecture involving the exhibition of firearms.

RCW 9.41.070 = CPL

I know about that list. Where I thought this rule came into play was even though it is a public facility, the events being hosted are private, and therefore the private usage has the ability to restrict firearms. Kinda like nothing says you cant carry at Safeco field, but NFL rules prohibit firearms. When I had first talked with the SPD officer he had indicated that they even make off duty LEOs check their firearms. The only people that were suppose to be actively walking around were on-duty LEOs. I'm just trying to make sure I'm in the clear. The last thing I need is for someone to notice and report it to SPD and then I have issues. We all know that Police Depts act first and then try and sort things out later. I really don't need that type of hassle in my life right now.

NFL rules have no effect at Safeco. MLB rules do.

Sorry...I meant Qwest...er Century Link Field.

This is true. However, the private company's rules are not laws.

Therefore, you can carry into any facility (arena, store, restaurant, whatever) that has a no-firearms "rule" and you are not breaking the law. If they catch you and ask you to leave, and you comply, then you're fine. If they catch you and ask you to leave, and you refuse to do so, then you can be arrested for trespassing because -- at that point -- you ARE breaking a law (though not a firearms law).

So does that mean Key Arena is in the wrong?

http://www.keyarena.com/arena-information/a-to-z-guide

Under Weapons Prohibited. Time to write a letter to get their official stance?

Is KeyArena a publicly-owned facility? If so, then I believe that they are in the wrong to have a blanket prohibition on firearms.

I'd like to hear more from those that are more in tune with the finer legal points, though....

Directly from their site:http://www.keyarena.com/arena-information/keyarena-history



So, yes, preemption applies and they cannot legally ban firearms. But, we also know how well Seattle conforms to preemption..They don't like it.

And, any reservations or rental agreements are through the City of Seattle

So here goes the rantings...

So even if they are publicly owned... they lease them... this bypasses some of the legal issues of restricting the venue.

So, there is laws (RCW) and then "rules" made by this third party (funny enough) most of the leases will require that firearms be restricted...

So... by buying a "ticket" to a game you basically go into a contract by which you promise to adhere to their rules of conduct. Most of these rules will require you not bring in a illegal firearm or firearm in general. Depending on their wording. Either way you are only violating their rule... so if found you'll be asked to leave.

Now it's a totally different thing for a large outdoor music venue. It does state in the RCW that even a CPL holder cannot bring a firearm even with a CPL to a large music venue. Someone can find the RCW that states over 2,000 or something like that for a music venue.

Here it is... http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx ... 70.108.150



Sidenote: for those that only have one firearm for conceal carry... this is the prime reason you need at least another firearm for those deep carry situations.

I have carried a G21 with a 2 mag pouch into Safeco. I just look for the line with the least interested security guard. They get a bit more cautious at football games so I have the 9mm for thos elines but I apply the same rule. Look for the guy who wants to be somewhere else and get in his line.