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CNN Live Saturday
Security Forces on High Alert as Fans Come Out to Super Bowl
Aired February 02, 2002 - 18:17 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: Well, Super Bowl XXXVI just a day away. Security forces are on high alert there as fans pour into the Big Easy for the big game. And CNN's "Sports Illustrated" Mike Galanos is also in New Orleans, I'm sure working very hard there, aren't you?
MIKE GALANOS, CNN SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Of course, of course, and it's all the good restaurants. We've decided to pull away from that and talk a little bit about what's going on here in New Orleans. It's been a great, a beautiful Saturday. A little chilly, but just a festive atmosphere, a real energy to the city of New Orleans as Mardi Gras is approaching and of course Super Bowl Sunday is coming up in just a day, now less than 24 hours away from kickoff.
But really, aside from the fun and frivolity, there is a serious topic, and that is security. This has been dubbed a national security event. So as you go around, the Louisiana Super Dome, you will see double the police presence, double the money has been spent on security. That will greet the fans on game day and as they party it up Saturday in the French Quarter and on Bourbon Street, they're seeing more police -- policemen on horses, policemen walking the streets, National Guardsmen in Army fatigues. So they're trying to make it very safe.
Mike James has been the coordinator of Super Bowl security, says it's very easy to make a place a war zone, difficult to make it look normal, but bottom line, it's got to be safe. You talk to some of the fans -- it's been somewhat of a mixed reaction how they feel about having such a police presence around them. Some say it's great, I feel safe. Some say it's overbearing, but bottom line, they want the Louisiana Super Dome to be the safest place in America on super Sunday.
What do the fans feel about what will greet them on super Sunday? First off they're being advised to arrive roughly five hours before kickoff because everyone is going to have to go through a security checkpoint. That could include going through a metal detector, X-ray machine, being padded down, questioning. So travel light when you show up early. Bring a wallet and a ticket, and you're getting through very easily.
Some, though, will want to bring electronics like cell phones and pagers. That's going to extend your security check, and there's also a list of items that are just out and out banned. Some things like foam fingers, banners, backpacks, umbrellas, strollers, things you think would be innocent, but they're saying do not even bring them in. The fan should just embrace this new world of security and try to enjoy themselves, arrive early, and get ready for the big game.
Catherine, back to you.
CALLAWAY: You know Mike, I just was speaking to Mr. Yeffet about security at the -- at the airlines and what needs to change. Wow, that's an incredible list there. For a football game, it is a brave new world. Have you asked any fans how they feel about that -- no camcorders, no backpacks.
GALANOS: Same thing, mixed reaction. I think, though, 60-40 that fans were saying well, we want to be safe, and they do feel safe, and the feeling was with the increased police presence and military presence, that's the way it is. They feel safe, and really it's almost comforting. Most fans said they can enjoy themselves now.
CALLAWAY: Is anybody talking about the Football Hall of Fame down there?
GALANOS: The Football Hall of Fame, the inductions, that was the second story after we talk about the security. Five new inductees into the Hall of Fame, the class of 2002, we start with two great offensive players. Bills quarterback Jim Kelly led Buffalo to four Super Bowls. They lost them all, but John Stallworth, Pittsburgh Steeler, great wide receive, helped Pittsburgh win five Super Bowls.
Others making it, Bears' defensive lineman Dan Hampton, also going in former Raider and Oiler tight end, Dave Casper. A great coach that we often forget about, George Allen, led the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Red Skins to the playoffs, had 12 seasons as a head coach, never had a losing season. So, amidst the fun, frivolity, also a banner day for those five gentlemen as they head up the class ...
CALLAWAY: Yes.
GALANOS: ... of 2002.
CALLAWAY: Mike, have a great time down there.
GALANOS: Thanks Catherine. We'll talk to you soon.
CALLAWAY: Mike Galanos in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Thanks Mike.
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