MINNEAPOLIS — A man and a woman who hung from the rafters during a Vikings game and unfurled a banner in protest of the Dakota Access oil pipeline entered U.S. Bank Stadium with tickets, and stadium officials said Tuesday that protesters hid their climbing equipment under winter clothing.

Three people were arrested Sunday after two protesters rappelled from the roof of the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium during their season finale against the Chicago Bears. The game was not interrupted, but eight rows of fans seated below the protesters were evacuated.

The two climbers — who identified themselves as Sen Holiday, 26, of St. Paul, and Karl Zimmermann Mayo, 32, of Minneapolis — met with reporters Tuesday but refused to answer questions about how they entered the building. Authorities haven’t said how the third person was involved. None of the people have been formally charged and police are still investigating.

Security at the stadium is designed to detect items such as weapons and explosives. A statement from the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority and stadium manager SMG says individuals concealed nylon rope, carabiners and a lightweight banner, and the items were distributed among protesters after they got inside. The statement did not make clear who carried in the equipment or say whether more people may be involved.

“They had nothing visible in their possession that violated U.S. Bank Stadium policies and had nothing that prevented them from clearing the security screening upon entry,” the statement said.

Security photos included with the statement show Holiday and Zimmermann Mayo entering the stadium. In one image from inside the stadium, Holiday appears to be carrying a backpack that was not visible in images showing her entering.