Heavy security expected for Super Bowl despite limited attendance

There will be heavy security at the Super Bowl on Sunday despite limited attendance after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) risk assessment found the event could be a target for criminal activity. 

DHS announced on Saturday that 500 DHS personnel will be at the Super Bowl since it garnered a Level 1 Special Event Assessment Rating. The rating is similar to past Super Bowls and other big sporting events and means the event “requires extensive federal interagency support.”

“Not only is the Super Bowl an attractive target for terrorists and domestic violent extremists, but it also presents opportunities for human trafficking, the sale of counterfeit goods, and other criminal activities,” the announcement states. 

The Super Bowl will only have 25,000 people watching in person, despite the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ stadium being twice the size, due to safety precautions for the coronavirus pandemic. 

Other agencies and authorities will be working with the DHS to secure the event, including the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and the NFL Security Team.

Other agencies and campaigns will also be assisting in the process. All DHS employees will be following coronavirus protocols while they are at the Super Bowl, the announcement states. 

The Super Bowl will take place Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Health officials have warned against fans cheering too loudly or those at home throwing Super Bowl parties as they believe it could lead to an outbreak of the virus.