ARIZONA NEWS

Public safety, law enforcement officials promise Valley Final Four events will be secure

Apr 2, 2024, 4:25 AM | Updated: 6:14 am

Final Four events public safety April Glendale...

Public safety officials around the Valley say they're prioritizing safety during the various Final Four events around the Valley. (NCAA Men's Final Four photo/via Facebook)

(NCAA Men's Final Four photo/via Facebook)

PHOENIX — The NCAA Men’s Final Four tournament is heading to Glendale this Saturday, and even those who don’t have tickets to the games can enjoy multiple Final Four events around the Valley.

Like many big events, safety is a big concern, but the Valley is no stranger to planning these large-scale fan gatherings. Local leaders are assuring residents that the events will be fun and safe.

In fact, public safety officials have been planning for this weekend for over a year, according to Jay Parry, the CEO of the Phoenix Local Organizing Committee.

“When we host major sporting events, there’s a high level of cooperation, coordination and commitment among public safety organizations at all levels,” Parry said during a Monday news conference in Glendale.

Final Four events will be safe, public safety leaders say

Fire, police and intelligence organizations are working in tandem to prioritize safety during this massive sporting event, Parry added. Various municipalities are also working together with tribal, state and federal agencies.

Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers promised out-of-town visitors they’d receive the best public safety services possible. He pointed to the city’s reputation as a successful host for three Super Bowls and a previous NCAA Final Four tournament.

Nothing will change for citizens who need emergency help, he added.

“When they need that police or firefighter to show up, they’ll be ready to do that. We’re not giving up on our citizens,” Weiers said. “We’re giving the same exact level of service that they’ve always gotten despite taking on these mega events.”

There will also be more officers around to keep the peace, FBI says

There will be a visible presence of public safety officials out and about during all the Final Four events, according to Jarod Brown, an FBI agent.

He said there will also be plainclothes officers who will be patrolling events to ensure sports lovers are safe.

“You go to do your day-to-day things, you won’t know that there’s people around making sure you’re safe,” Brown said. “You just want to go have a great time and do so safely.”

It’s important for people be on the lookout for anything suspicious, Brown added.

A Final Four Fan Fest, the March Madness Music Festival and the Final Four Tip-Off Tailgate all kick off this Friday. Purdue will play North Carolina State at State Farm Stadium on Saturday at 3:09 p.m., followed by Connecticut vs. Alabama at 5:49 p.m.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

28 minutes ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

1 hour ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

2 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

4 hours ago

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in e...

David Veenstra

2024 film projects made $29.1M in economic impact on Phoenix area, new report says

According to a recent study, film production in the metro Phoenix area generated $29.1 million in economic impact in 2024.

6 hours ago

Tucson border patrol...

Roxanne De La Rosa

3 men arrested near Tucson after fleeing from Border Patrol

Tucson Border Patrol agents arrested three men on Tuesday near the southern border, after they tried to flee from law enforcement.

8 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Public safety, law enforcement officials promise Valley Final Four events will be secure