NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 5 (UPI) — Thousands of law enforcement officials descended upon New Orleans this week, attempting to protect fans, but authorities continue to recommend vigilance, especially for those seeking tickets to Super Bowl LIX.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains “no specific credible threats” have occurred related to the event. On Wednesday, officials warned for fans to stay attentive, especially when considering buying tickets and apparel that could be counterfeit..
“Excitement is growing ahead of the big game in New Orleans on Sunday,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said at a news conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
“But if you’re looking to be in that number — and buy tickets to the Super Bowl LIX, you’ve got to do your homework first. Sadly, many con artists will be working overtime this week to prey on innocent people looking to attend the game.”
The NFL and National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center also announced the seizure of $39.5 million in counterfeit sports merchandise over the last year. More than 214,507 items were confiscated through that effort, including jerseys, shirts, hats and jewelry.
All tickets for Super Bowl LIX are digital and no others versions be accepted Sunday at Caesars Superdome. As of Wednesday afternoon, the lowest ticket price available on the resale market was about $3,000. More than 73,000 fans are expected to attend.
Transportation Security Administration officials expect record-breaking passenger traffic — with about 42,000 travelers expected this week at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The agency is bringing in 100 additional officers to help facilitate screening, which includes new automated lanes. Dozens of K9 explosive detection teams will also be active.
“These are the many strategies that we have prepared to keep everyone in New Orleans safe during America’s favorite week, Super Bowl week,” TSA spokesperson Sari Koshetz said Wednesday at a news conference.
NFL chief security officer Cathy Lanier said last week that the league stepped up its efforts for increased security after the Jan. 1 attack in New Orleans, when Shamsud-Din-Jabbar drove a truck into a crowd in the city’s French Quarter, resulting in 15 deaths. Nearly 3,0000 state, federal and local law enforcement members are in town to secure the area.
With Donald Trump set to become the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl, and Taylor Swift’s likely presence, additional security staff also will likely be on hand Sunday inside the stadium. Details remain mostly confidential.
“The Secret Service has been on the ground for days, working in close collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, as well as the NFL, to implement a comprehensive security plan,” agency spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.
“In the coming days, additional details will be provided regarding what fans can expect as they arrive and move through security checkpoints.”
Presence of increased attention for the safety of the hundreds of thousands flocking to New Orleans is evident, with armed members of the National Guard protecting the French Quarter and bomb-sniffing dogs roaming the city.
The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. EST Sunday.
