Nearly one million people are expected to attend Super Bowl LI events in the Houston area on February 5. With such a large crowd, security for the event has become a massive undertaking.
Federal agents are working with state and local law enforcement in Houston to keep the city, visitors and the NRG stadium safe.
“Just because you don’t see us it doesn’t mean we are not there,” Special Agent Shauna Dunlap, FBI spokesperson said.
Dunlap says that there will be several uniformed officers at the events, but some will be “all but invisible,” with many officers going undercover.
Although there is no credible threat for the Super Bowl, recent
attacks in other areas have authorities on alert.
“Whenever there are large gatherings, there’s an increase in safety concerns,” Dunlap said.
Security will also be increased at the George R. Brown convention center, where fans are expected to flock.
Guards with the private security company Safe have been working to prepare for the events. The company has provided security for super bowls for more than a decade and has hired many temporary workers in Houston.
Despite all of the increased security, Dunlap stresses that often times its residents who can be the difference in maintaining safety.
“Despite all the high tech and investigative efforts, it’s important to note that sometimes the most important information, doesn’t come by way of technology, it comes from the public,” Dunlap said.