The state of Washington is in the process of evaluating a house bill that would allow fans to bring concealed firearms into sports stadiums. House Bill 1015, was introduced by three Republican representatives: Matt Shea, David Taylor, and Bob McCaslin. If passed the proposal would stop public stadiums or private entities that operate them, from banning people with valid concealed firearm license from entering with a gun.

HB 1015 states, “A public facilities district may not prohibit persons with a valid concealed pistol license from carrying a concealed pistol in any facility or on any grounds of a facility that is owned, operated, managed, administered, controlled, or maintained by the public facilities district, or leased or rented to a private or public entity by the public facilities district. “

Stadiums that would be impacted by this bill include the Seattle’s CenturyLink Field (home of the Seattle Seahawks), and Safeco Field (home of the Seattle Mariners). The NFL and MLB (pg. 228)  have a policy that forbids weapons from entering their facilities. If HB 1015 is passed, there is a possibility other states will want to follow in Washington’s footsteps.




NFL and MLB stadiums are known to house passionate fans who come out to support their teams. While supporting their team, it has become common for individuals to get into disagreements with their peers. Due to emotions and sometimes the consumption of alcohol there have been cases where fans did not make the best decision.

Since HB 1015 broke news, people have shared their thoughts on the possible passing of the bill. There have been different views. Some people endorsed the idea. Others frowned on the idea of people carrying firearms into a facility that also allows and endorses the consumption of alcohol.

If HB 1015 passes, sports reporter Cindy Boren of The Washington Post, believes “guns could be added to an already combustible environment.”