HOUSTON — Thursday marked four days out from Houston hosting its first College Football Playoff National Championship.
More than 100,000 people are expected to travel to Houston for the big game on Monday and the events leading up to it, which start on Friday.
On Thursday afternoon, Houston’s new mayor, top law enforcement officials, and the head of College Football Playoffs shared their safety plan with the public.
“I can assure everyone, all of our bases have been covered,” said Mayor John Whitmire.
Department heads said they’ve been working with sports officials on the details for securing the game and related events for more than a year.
“I’m not losing any sleep over the safety of the fans who will be there and the teams for the weekend,” said Bill Hancock, Executive Director of College Football Playoff.
A spokesperson with the Office of Emergency Management said that while every major event has its unique points, the city is well-versed in hosting major sporting events.
Just like during the Final Four and Super Bowl, the George R. Brown Convention Center will host fan exhibits, and NRG Stadium will host the championship game.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said he’s deploying uniformed and undercover officers.
“I won’t give you that exact number,” said Chief Finner. “I do know it, but everywhere you look at any of our venues, you’ll see some uniforms, and some you won’t see, but they’re there. So, we’ve got more than enough.”
Chief Finner said his team talked with local, state, and federal agencies daily and so far, he said there are no specific threats.
Local officials also have a weather contingency plan. Click here for the latest weekend forecast.
“The public safety team will closely monitor potential lightning and announce any impact to the stadiums when you’re in the stadium,” said Janis Burke, CEO of Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. “You can bring rain gear. If you bring an umbrella, that will be checked in at the door, but we have it all taken care of, all organized. So, please show up, rain or shine.”
National Weather Service employees will be inside Houston’s emergency operations center to give regular updates to employees with all the agencies. That center will be active starting Friday afternoon through Monday night.
To receive safety-related text alerts about the College Football Playoff game and events, text “C-F-B” to 888-777.