Phoenix authorities finish safety preparations for NCAA Final Four

PHOENIX — Authorities have a message for both fans coming to the Valley and residents as the area readies for the NCAA Final Four tournament: You will be safe.

At a press conference Monday, Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams said safety preparations are complete.

“I’m here to say have fun,” she said. “Final Four and March Madness is a time to have a great time and it’s a great opportunity to get to see everything that our Valley has to offer.”

Glendale Police Chief Rick St. John agreed.

“Our goal in public safety for this event is, you would come and you would enjoy everything that the event has to offer – and that safety would never even be a concern of yours.”

Though safety precautions will be in place, FBI Special Agent in Charge Mike DeLeon said it is still important remember to keep an eye out for anything out of place.

“If you see something say something,” he said.

Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead said that includes any possible terrorist activity.

“The Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center will be staffed during this event,” he said. “If you do see something, it’s 877-TO-SAVE-AZ, or 877-272-8329.”

The tournament is scheduled to begin Saturday with the semifinal games. The final will be played on Monday.

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