Final Four Fever Escalates, Law Enforcement Braces for Crowds

Tucson law enforcement is increasing its presence as the Wildcats play in the Final Four this Saturday. Final Four Fever Escalates, and Law Enforcement Braces for Crowds across downtown streets.

Enhanced policing and crowd control

Filmogaz.com spoke with Tucson Police Department Capt. Lauren Pettey, who leads NCAA safety planning. She said officers will have an enhanced presence on University Boulevard, Congress, and Fourth Avenue.

Pettey said officers will be prepared with riot gear if incidents escalate. The goal is to allow safe celebration while providing additional resources.

Traffic measures and street access

Traffic enforcement will begin Saturday morning, officials said. Parking meters on University will be hooded ahead of planned barricades.

Barriers are expected hours before game time. Officers want pedestrians and bicyclists to be able to move safely through the area.

Historic context for precautions

Officials cited violent downtown riots from past post-game celebrations as reasons for extra steps. In 2001, unrest followed Arizona’s loss to Duke in the national title game.

Authorities also recalled disturbances in 2014 after the Wildcats lost the Elite Eight to Wisconsin. Those events included cars set on fire and projectiles thrown at officers.

Businesses and campus preparations

Bar owner Jonathan Graham of Frog & Firkin said his venue is limiting entry to guests with reservations. He added that all staff and both in-house and extra security will be on duty.

Graham said owners hope to avoid heavy crowd-control tactics seen in past incidents. The University of Arizona Office of Public Safety and UAPD are also increasing precautions.

The campus police urged students to celebrate responsibly and to make safety plans. They encouraged anyone needing assistance to contact UAPD.