U of A: Tucson Prepares for Final Four Crowds, Enhanced Security Measures

U of A Final Four: Tucson Braces for Celebration and Enhanced Security

TUCSON, Ariz. – As the University of Arizona Wildcats gear up for their highly anticipated Final Four appearance on Saturday, Tucson law enforcement is proactively preparing for potentially large and enthusiastic crowds. The city is implementing enhanced security measures to ensure a safe and celebratory atmosphere for fans.

Increased Police Presence Downtown

“Saturday evening, you will see an enhanced law enforcement presence both on University Boulevard, Congress, and Fourth Avenue,” stated Tucson Police Department Captain Lauren Pettey, who is leading the NCAA safety planning. Captain Pettey emphasized that officers will be equipped with riot gear as a precautionary measure, should the need arise.

“We want to be able to ensure that everyone is able to celebrate in a safe manner, and in order to do that, we want to provide enhanced law enforcement measures and have additional resources out and about,” she explained.

Learning from Past Experiences

This heightened security response is rooted in past incidents following significant Wildcats games. Violent riots erupted downtown in 2001 after Arizona’s national championship loss to Duke, and again in 2014 following their Elite Eight defeat against Wisconsin. These events involved property damage, including vehicle fires, and confrontations with law enforcement as frustrated fans took to the streets.

Businesses Prepare for Large Crowds

Local bar and restaurant owners are aware of the potential for large gatherings and are taking steps to manage crowds. Jonathan Graham, owner of Frog & Firkin, expressed cautious optimism. “We don’t need the police coming in with the sandbags or the tear gas, which we’ve seen in the past, but that was a long time ago. Maybe it’s a little different climate here on University now – people are a little more chill,” he said.

However, Graham also confirmed the bar is preparing for the worst-case scenario. They are implementing a reservation-only policy to control capacity and have increased security personnel. “Literally every employee I have working, all my security, and even the extra security that we get from the wild west, so we’re ready to go,” Graham added.

Traffic and Pedestrian Management

The Tucson Police Department will also be focusing on traffic enforcement starting Saturday morning. Parking meters on University Boulevard will be covered to facilitate street closures with barricades several hours before game time.

“We want to ensure that all pedestrians and bicyclists that are in the area have the ability to mingle and go about University, Congress, and Fourth Avenue,” Captain Pettey stated.

University of Arizona Safety Measures

The University of Arizona’s Office of Public Safety and UAPD are also increasing safety measures. They are urging students to celebrate responsibly, plan ahead, and contact UAPD if they require assistance. The university encourages fans to enjoy the excitement while prioritizing safety and respect for the community. You can find more information on campus safety at the UAPD website.

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