The Denver Police Department is already making plans for Super Bowl Sunday.
The DPD said it can't discuss numbers, but fans will certainly notice an increased police presence downtown on game day.
"The Denver Police Department has a lot of experience in creating security plans for really large-scale events," said DPD spokesman, Doug Schepman. "So, over the next couple of weeks – we’ll be fine tuning the details to make sure that we have the right resources deployed to the right parts of town."
In 1998, after the Broncos won the first of two back-to-back Super Bowls, rioters trashed parts of Larimer and 16th streets. Police used tear gas and pepper spray to try to control the unruly, destructive crowds who even rolled a few vehicles.
The @DenverPolice dept. says fans will certainly notice increased police presence in downtown on #SuperBowl50 Sunday pic.twitter.com/Wf5HDHZTtM
— Russell Haythorn (@RussellHaythorn) January 25, 2016
#PHOTO: scene after @Broncos won #SuperBowl in '98! Police pepper spray rioters. DPD today: don't riot this time. pic.twitter.com/8jm8vxXTsh
— Russell Haythorn (@RussellHaythorn) January 26, 2016
This was @LarimerSquare after #Broncos won in '98. DPD already announcing LARGE force ready for #SuperBowl50 Sunday! pic.twitter.com/XY1be5HXbV
— Russell Haythorn (@RussellHaythorn) January 26, 2016
"(Fans) are going to notice an increased police presence downtown," said Schepman. "Officers are going to be visible. And it’s not to be disruptive. It’s to help ensure that there’s a safe environment for people to come downtown, gather, watch the game and have fun."
Businesses like Ocean Prime in Larimer Square, welcomed that strategy.
"We are certain everybody’s going to have that feeling of comfort knowing there’s going to be that bumped up security to help with anything," said Erika Clum, private dining coordinator for Ocean Prime.
