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Security Ramped Up At Candlestick

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- San Francisco 49ers security will ask tailgaters to leave the parking lot at Candlestick Park after kickoff on Saturday under new security measures introduced by the team after fan violence marred a pre-season game with the Oakland Raiders.

The rules will be in effect for the first time during the preseason matchup between the 49ers and Houston Texans, which is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Saturday.

Two men were shot in the parking lot at Candlestick Park after last weekend's game between the 49ers and Oakland Raiders. Another man was beaten unconscious earlier in the bathroom, and a brawl involving several fans during the game was captured on video and replayed on the Internet.

The violence prompted the team to announce new security measures, including a ban on tailgating once the game starts.

49ers spokesman Steve Weakland said team security and San Francisco police will patrol the parking lots to enforce the ban, asking fans with tickets to enter the stadium. Others will be asked to either buy a ticket or leave.

The team has also said it plans to use post-game DUI checkpoints and have additional police on hand. Weakland would not say how many additional police officers and team security officials would be present.

Police plan to increase staffing by 10 percent, with additional plainclothes and uniformed officers, Sgt. Michael Andraychak said.

"We're not expecting anything as bad as last week, but because of what happened we want to reassure folks that we'll have plenty of officers on hand," he said.

At last week's game, more than 70 fans were ejected from the stadium, 12 people were arrested and dozens of medical calls were made. Officials said the numbers were significantly higher than those for a typical home game at Candlestick Park.

Police have not made any arrests in the shootings and beating at last week's game. All three victims were listed in fair condition earlier this week.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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