Miami Heat fans had to show their tickets before approaching the AmericanAirlines Arena entrance Wednesday night, as the team played its last home game of the regular season.
The change is one of several new layers of security that have been rolled out as the team prepares for the NBA playoffs in the wake of Monday's Boston Marathon bombings.
"If we have to wait a few minutes to come in and make sure that we're having a good time, and everyone's safe, then so be it," said fan Hernan Campero.
The bombings near the Boston Marathon's finish line killed three people and injured more than 170.
"What happened in Boston is something that we are also prepared for," explained Miami Police spokeswoman Officer Kenia Reyes. "We're in a metropolitan city. We always have a contingency plan in place."
Complete Coverage of the Boston Marathon Explosions
The plan also includes more police on the streets and sidewalks outside the arena. New wire mesh trash cans are being installed too, so suspicious items can be seen better.
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More Security for Big Events in SoFla After Boston Blasts
Many fans said they are now accepting that they will have to keep their eyes on the game and on their surroundings for the foreseeable future.
"You never know what could happen within any type of sporting event, and especially with something this big," fan Chris Freeman said.
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