Astros installing metal detectors at Minute Maid Park

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than half a million dollars in security upgrades have been added to Minute Maid Park to as a part of new Major League Baseball security requirements.

has enacted new security measures at ball parks across the country that includes hand-held and walk-thorough metal detectors.

The news security measures go into affect today. At Minute Maid Park, three walk-through metal detectors can be seen at nearly every entrance around the stadium.

"We embrace and support MLB's increased security initiative because the safety of our fans is our to priority," said Astros Senior VP of Business Operations Marcel Braithwaite.

Before going through the metal detectors, fans are required to remove their cell phones from their pockets and allow security personal to search bags, purses and containers. Fans must walk through the metal detectors with their cell phones in hand.

MLB has already tightened security recently. Fans are prohibited from bringing a number of items into the ballpark including but not limited to coolers, costume masks , food in a portion larger than a one-gallon size bags and noisemakers.

Fans who try to bring in any of the above items will be asked to take those items back to their vehicle or surrender the item(s) to security.

The new metal detectors are said to help fans get into the stadium faster.

"We want to be thorough with out becoming intrusive," said Braithwaite. "We will also be soliciting fan feedback in order to remain in touch with our fans on these new security initiatives."

Fans questioned just how far the league will go for future security additions.

"I would think that anything beyond this would be excessive. You know, this almost seems like a little bit too much," said fan David Appleby.

For a list of permitted and prohibited items for Astros games at Minute Maid Park, head to the Astros' website.