CNNSI.com | CNNSI.com: Super Bowl XXXVI | CNN/Money: Super Bowl/Super Business

Big Easy gets tough security for Super Bowl

Fans better leave the big foam hands, noise-makers at home

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana (CNN) -- The Super Bowl might just be a super hassle Sunday for fans flocking into the Superdome.

Thanks to unprecedented security measures, ticket holders are being encouraged to show up as much as five hours early for Sunday's game between the St. Louis Rams and the New England Patriots.

In addition to checkpoints far from the Louisiana Superdome, everyone entering the dome must prepare to clear a series of security hurdles, including metal detectors and possible pat downs.

They also will have to do without some game-day staples, including containers of any type, camera and binocular cases, noise-makers, even those beloved foam fingers and hands.

In exchange for the inconveniences, officials are assuring fans that the 36th Super Bowl will be as safe as possible.

MORE STORIES White House buys Super Bowl anti-drug spots    EXTRA INFORMATION • CNN/SI: Super Bowl XXXVI coverage  • Super Bowl ads sold out    RESOURCES SuperBowl.com    QUICKVOTE Can tight security protect major events like the Super Bowl from terror attacks? Yes No View Results

"I have a very high degree of confidence that the security for this game will be unprecedented, will be world-class and will be very, very effective," NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue said at a news conference Friday.

The White House has designated the game as a "national security special event," meaning the Secret Service is the lead agency in coordinating security.

New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial said about 48 agencies have been involved in planning security for the Super Bowl, a process that has been under way for 90 days.

"The cooperation's been enormous, and I think it will be secure," he said.

Hundreds of concrete barriers have been put in place around the Superdome and thousands of security personnel will be deployed at the site.

"Oh my God, it looks like Beirut," one shocked pedestrian told The Associated Press on Friday morning as he strolled down Poydras Street and looked at the tanks and National Guardsmen surrounding the Superdome.

Several thousand police officers, FBI agents, National Guardsmen and state troopers are expected to be on hand in New Orleans. Authorities also may use face-recognition technology to keep an eye out for known terrorists.

Authorities urge fans not to bring anything larger than a small purse or bag into the arena and note all items will be carefully inspected. Fans also are asked not to bring any electronic devices, which they say will be inspected and could cause delays.

Small cameras and binoculars are allowed, but spectators can't bring cameras with lenses that are more than 6 inches long.

The National Football League hopes the spectators aren't inconvenienced too much.

"What we want in this whole thing -- and it's not going to be seamless and it's not going to be easy -- we want the people to come here and have a good time," said Jim Steeg, a senior vice president for the league. "We're here for a football game."