Sony Open locked down as bomb squad investigate package
Spectators were forbidden from entering or leaving venue for 30 minutes
The Sony Open in Miami was locked down while the bomb squad investigated a suspicious package on Tuesday, preventing thousands of spectators from entering or leaving the sprawling tennis complex.
The all clear was given at around 9:30pm Eastern Time (9.30am, Hong Kong time), some 30 minutes after officials had confirmed the lockdown, allowing ticket holders to exit.
Local news reports also said four-lane traffic was halted in both directions in front of the complex while spectators were prevented from entering.
Earlier this evening a suspicious package was left unattended at the front gate.
“Earlier this evening a suspicious package was left unattended at the front gate,” the tournament said in a statement. “For the safety of the public the Miami-Dade police have set up a perimeter and cordoned off the area until the package can be secured.
“We apologise for the inconvenience but the safety of the public must be placed first.”
Word first began to filter through that people were not being allowed to leave the facility as world No 1 Serena Williams was playing fifth seeded German Angelique in a quarter-final on centre court.
“Yeah, there was a bomb threat and a lockdown but that’s all I know about it. Scary,” said Williams after beating Kerber.