Visitors to Temple Square and other facilities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can expect to pass through metal detectors starting Wednesday.
Security screening has already begun at the Conference Center as the "Light of the World" presentation brings in thousands of viewers.
Kim Farah, manager of media relations for the church, said a committee of private security organizations, under the direction of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, is coordinating heightened Olympic security.
More security personnel at the sites may be a new sight for many locals, she said, but foreign journalists Farah talks to say it makes them feel safe.
"We walk this very fine line," said Farah, adding that the church wants to welcome the world while being as safe as possible.
Temple Square receives 5 million visitors a year, and as the Olympics draw near, more and more people are crowding downtown, Farah said.
Visitors to church sites are asked to travel light and come early so passage through security can go quickly. For the "Light of the World" performance in the Conference Center, large bags, cameras and recording devices will not be permitted, and there will not be a place to check items. No parking will be available in Conference Center lots.
Tours of the Conference Center will be held from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and Mondays. The center will be open to tours from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the other weekdays and from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
Other church sites will have extended hours during the Olympics — Family History Library, 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. through March 16; Museum of Church History and Art, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Feb. 8-24; Temple Square and visitors centers, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
E-mail: ckennington@desnews.com