Feb 3, 2008 10:34 pm US/Eastern
Police, Colleges Prepared For Super Bowl Madness
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boston Police began towing cars Sunday from areas with restricted parking in anticipation of Super Bowl celebrations. City leaders said they were prepared for post-Super Bowl revelers in and around the city.
Authorities have gained quite a bit of experience in handling championship celebrations. The Patriots have won three Super Bowls since 2001. The Red Sox have won two titles in the past four years.
With so many college students in town, police prepared in case things got out of control as it did in 2004 when the Patriots won the Super Bowl. Dozens of people were arrested for rioting and a Northeastern student's brother was killed when a car drove into the crowd.
"Kids who are in these situations don't understand that if there's an unlawful assembly, and people are acting out, when police give the signal to leave, it's not just for the people who are acting violently. It's for everyone," said Boston police Commissioner Ed Davis.
Davis said come Sunday night, police would be on every corner near college areas. Kenmore Square was locked down after the third quarter of the Super Bowl to prevent partiers from entering and rioting. It was completely reopened just before 10:30 p.m.
"We keep them separated from Kenmore Square and it creates three or four smaller crowds that are much easier for us to handle," Davis said.
Colleges themselves put students on alert - behave or face the consequences.
"Regardless of the outcome (of the Super Bowl), we insist that you act lawfully," said Emerson College President Jacqueline Liebergott.
Over at Northeastern, a notice was sent to students reminding them to behave. "For your personal safety, I urge you to avoid gathering in large crowds outdoors after the game," said the message from Vice President of Student Affairs Edward Klotzbier. "Any behavior that may be considered riotous or any other inappropriate behavior, disorderly conduct or destruction of property will result in immediate separation from the University."
Boston University invited students to a large alcohol-free Super Bowl party at Agannis Arena.
Local bars and restaurants sported their security muscle as well.
"We won't admit anyone who appears intoxicated," said Brighton's White Horse Tavern owner Doug Bacon. "We'll have extra staff on, and obviously we'll be cooperating with police and the authorities."
No parking was allowed in parts of Brighton, Kenmore Square, and the Northeastern area. Signs are posted warning people not to park in those areas from Sunday morning through 2:00 a.m. Monday. Police towed cars that were in violation of the parking restrictions Sunday.
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