Advertisement

Safety plan ready for Lions vs. Buccaneers playoff clash at Ford field, Detroit police say

Hosting another NFL playoff game in Detroit is a good problem to have, said Detroit Police Deputy Chief Franklin Hayes.

To ensure the safety of thousands of fans that will undoubtedly pack downtown to watch the Detroit Lions play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon, Detroit Police have a safety plan in place that includes increased officer visibility.

“We’re certainly rooting with them. What’s paramount is safety,” Hayes said.

Detroit Lions fans outside of Ford Field before the Seattle Seahawks game in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.
Detroit Lions fans outside of Ford Field before the Seattle Seahawks game in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023.

Hayes said officers will be posted both inside and outside Ford Field, including officers in plainclothes.

Specific plans are in place to prevent carjackings, illegal activity such as ticket scalping, unauthorized selling of merchandise and predatory parking fees, such as making fans pay cash to park on public streets, police said.

Go ahead, root for the Lions: It's good for you, science says

“We do this eight games a year already. This isn’t new to us,” Hayes said.

Hayes warned fans to lock their vehicles and not to leave valuables in them.

Hayes said last week, when the Detroit Lions hosted the Los Angeles Rams and beat them in a thrilling one-point game in the first round of the playoffs, there were no arrests for disorderly conduct.

Are the Detroit Lions America's team? NFL world seems to think so

“We’ve got some of the best fans here — we’re passionate, but we’re also incredibly respectful,” Hayes said. “Go Lions!”

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit police give safety plan ahead of Detroit Lions vs. Bucs game