The College Football Playoff National Championship Game is set to take place in Atlanta on Monday night, and the city and state have increased security measures to ensure a safe and secure event. Agents from the Georgia Bureau of Investigations are on the ground, with one agent posting a picture on social media saying they are “ensuring everyone stays safe” during the game. The weather is expected to be cold, with a low of 17 degrees on Monday night, but GBI agents are bundled up to deal with the chill.
Atlanta’s Governor Brian P. Kemp has issued a state of emergency to ensure appropriate resources are deployed due to the below-freezing temperatures. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and Police Chief Darin Schierbaum highlighted the increased security measures for the title game, which is being hosted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the second time since its inception.
The city has seen the event before, but the tragedy on New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street in New Orleans has led to increased personnel and precautions before Ohio State and Notre Dame kick off. New protocols have been incorporated into the extensive preparation for this event.
Atlanta Police Department will have every officer working, with multiple specialized units and a visible police presence at and around the stadium. The Atlanta Fire Department will also have specialized units on hand for rapid response situations. Meanwhile, the city’s street closures from the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, which took place earlier on Monday, will transition into the college football festivities.