Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced that after this year’s Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, the city will not tolerate rowdiness.
In an effort to keep celebrations safe, access to certain areas will be blocked off during and after the game, and “the Boston Police will significantly increase patrols” around the city, according to a press release from Thursday.
Kenmore Square and the Fenway area will be blocked off after the third quarter of the game, said Boston University spokesman Colin Riley, adding that BU officials met with Menino on Thursday to discuss these precautions.
BU officials sent emails to students on Friday that advised them to avoid Kenmore Square on Sunday, recommending they take Bay State Road instead for traveling eastbound or westbound.
The increased security measures have been planned to keep the city safe on Sunday evening, Menino said.
“I encourage everyone to be responsible and respectful while watching the game on Sunday,” he said in the release. “It’s important that these games are a safe and fun experience for everyone, everywhere.”
Police presence will increase on Sunday, he said, and patrolling officers will closely monitor disorderly conduct and “strictly enforce compliance to all alcohol laws.”
The Boston Police Department is “significantly prepared to handle any and all situations,” said BPD spokesman David Estrada, adding that despite the public safety measures, Bostonians and students should still enjoy the game.
“Just act responsibly,” he said. “We know everyone wants to enjoy the game and we expect people to enjoy [it] and celebrate responsibly.”
In addition to patrolling, the police will also “employ extensive use of video cameras in areas surrounding Kenmore Square and North Station,” according to the release.
Footage from the cameras will be used to press charges against individuals suspected of criminal activity after the game.
“Access to the Fenway and the Garden area will be restricted,” Estrada said.
People exiting bars and restaurants will be allowed to leave the area, according to the release, but newcomers will not be allowed into these cordoned-off spots.
The precautions come in partly as an acknowledgment to Super Bowl celebrations that have caused destruction, and even death, in the past.
In a riot that ensued after the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2004, a 24-year-old drove his SUV into a crowd of mostly Northeastern University students, killing one and injuring three others. A crowd of students also flipped over six cars, set bonfires and threw bottles.
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