SLR Camera excluded

[Bob Harley]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? I live in Pennsylvania but my issue deals with Florida, specifically the University of Florida in Gainesville. I flew down to Gainesville to attend a gymnastics competition at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Friday, 1/7/05. I had a Nikon digital SLR camera with a 70-200mm zoom, an 85mm lens and also a 50mm lens. My intention was to photograph the Penn State gymnasts who were one of six teams competing in this event. They searched my camera bag at the door and I was told I couldn't bring in an SLR camera (takes interchangeable lenses). I checked the U. of Florida web site about the O'Connell center. It has an area entitled "Increased Security Measures" which contains the following language:

Prohibited Items: Food/drink containers, bottles, cans, thermoses, ice bags, ice chests, any artificial noise making device, large cameras, flags, umbrellas, back packs, carry bags, video cameras/cases or any items deemed hazardous by game management personnel will NOT BE ALLOWED INSIDE ANY SPORT VENUE.
Law enforcement officials will have the right to inspect any item at any time.

My question is can the University of Florida legally restrict a person such as myself attending a "public" sporting event from using my above-described camera equipment? U. of Florida being a state university, receiving public funds, I would like to know how they can stop me from using my equipment. They told me if my camera was a one-piece unit with a built-in lens that wouldn't be a problem.

Any opinions out there? Thanks in advance

 

[racer72]

Your mistake is thinking that a college campus is public property, it is not. Although the state owns the property, they have the right to restrict people from this property and to place restrictions on those allowed on the property. And unless the event was free to all, it is not a public event. By purchasing a ticket to an event, you agree to the restrictions placed on those attending the event. You have no case.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? I live in Pennsylvania but my issue deals with Florida, specifically the University of Florida in Gainesville. I flew down to Gainesville to attend a gymnastics competition at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center on Friday, 1/7/05. I had a Nikon digital SLR camera with a 70-200mm zoom, an 85mm lens and also a 50mm lens. My intention was to photograph the Penn State gymnasts who were one of six teams competing in this event. They searched my camera bag at the door and I was told I couldn't bring in an SLR camera (takes interchangeable lenses). I checked the U. of Florida web site about the O'Connell center. It has an area entitled "Increased Security Measures" which contains the following language:

Prohibited Items: Food/drink containers, bottles, cans, thermoses, ice bags, ice chests, any artificial noise making device, large cameras, flags, umbrellas, back packs, carry bags, video cameras/cases or any items deemed hazardous by game management personnel will NOT BE ALLOWED INSIDE ANY SPORT VENUE.
Law enforcement officials will have the right to inspect any item at any time.

My question is can the University of Florida legally restrict a person such as myself attending a "public" sporting event from using my above-described camera equipment? U. of Florida being a state university, receiving public funds, I would like to know how they can stop me from using my equipment. They told me if my camera was a one-piece unit with a built-in lens that wouldn't be a problem.

Any opinions out there? Thanks in advance

**A: what is the problem? Did you not read the prohibited items list and see that cameras are prohibited?

 

[JETX]

can the University of Florida legally restrict a person such as myself attending a "public" sporting event from using my above-described camera equipment?

Simple answer: Yes.

 

[HomeGuru]

It takes JETX to simplify things.

 

[BelizeBreeze]

The poster is obviously not a graduate from Penn State

 

[somedude]

The poster is obviously not a graduate from Penn State

Why? Are you?
Judging by 95% of the responses I see you spew on this site, I hope not. Talk about giving someone a bad name. Of course, a disclaimer "not everyone of BelizeBreeze's ilk graduates from PSU. A few bad apples always fall through the system."

 

[Bob Harley]

SLR camera restricted

Thanks to all your responses concerning my original post. Just a few clarifications. I read the "increased security measures" paragraph after I returned from U. of Florida back to Pa. I should have been more clear with my initial post. I take no offense to anyone's comments in their postings. I do appreciate having the availability of other people's opinions who are more knowledgeable than myself on matters such as I posed. Thanks.