Visitors to the National Sports Centre were yesterday warned about items that are banned from the arena.

Craig Tyrrell, the senior vice president of operations at the centre, warned that visitors risk having items confiscated if they broke strict rules on what is allowed to be brought in for events.

Mr Tyrrell said: “Unfortunately, mainly due to not knowing the rules, people have tried to bring in items that are not allowed and have either had them confiscated by our security team or refused entry.

“We have created signs informing people of what can be brought in and we will be making sure they are visible at the event entrances.”

Banned items include animals, large backpacks, drones, coolers, drugs and alcohol. Smoking is also prohibited on the grounds.

Mr Tyrrell said people had taken pets on to the North Field and driven vehicles on to the grass in the past.

He added those problems still existed.

Mr Tyrrell said: “This is a community facility and we want to be as welcoming to everyone as we possibly can be but some people just do not want to follow the rules and spoil it for others.”