Events

SEC title game will be a big test for Super Bowl security plan

ATLANTA — The NFL has signed off on a massive, multi-agency public safety plan just 66 days from Super Bowl LIII.

Channel 2's Aaron Diamant was a Mercedes-Benz Stadium where this weekend's Southeaster Conference Championship game will be an important run-through for all these security strategies.

Tens of thousands of fans are expected to descend on downtown Atlanta for the sold-out game Saturday between arch-rivals the University of Georgia and Alabama.

Crews are already loading in equipment at the Georgia World Congress Center campus.

Diamant talked to Atlanta police Deputy Chief Scott Kreher, the unified area commander for Super Bowl LIII. He said the SEC Championship will help officials make sure the security plan for the Super Bowl is up to snuff.

“So, this gives us an opportunity to continue to hone our skills for these big events that we have almost every weekend in this city," Kreher said. "We’re going to use (the game as a test) for the Super Bowl to make that plan even stronger.”

During Super Bowl week, the entire Georgia World Congress Center campus will be inside a secure perimeter. The Atlanta Police Department's joint operations center will serve as the public safety war room, with dozens of federal, state and local agencies involved.

Kreher admitted planning teams are still working to refine communications and traffic strategies, but he feels confident safety officials will be ready.

"I know we have a good team in place, and I know we have a good plan. So we'll be ready, Kreher said."I think we're ahead of the game, literally, probably weeks ahead of where they thought we should be."

Listen

news

weather

traffic

mobile apps

Everything you love about wsbradio.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!