Boston Police Step Up Security At Fenway Ahead Of ALCS Game 6
BOSTON (CBS) - From the river to the Red Sox, it's a blockbuster weekend for Boston.
"It's so great, look at all these people, hundreds of thousands of people hanging around," said Charles Lindsay as he stood on the banks of the Charles River.
They will be lined with spectators for the Head of the Charles Regatta, the world's largest two day rowing event. It all happens as the Red Sox get ready for game six of the ALCS. Fans and busloads of tourists pulled up trying to snap an iconic image of Fenway Park, and some celebrating just snagging tickets to the game.
"Phenomenal, and it could be the clincher, it doesn't get any better than that," said Red Sox fan Mike Zwarick. Crowds also mean beefed up security and Boston police have a simple message.
"The city has shown it's strong and we want to continue that Saturday night," said Boston police superintendent William Evans. "Since April 15, the city's been through quite a bit here. We just ask them to celebrate with pride here, and not cause any damage to the city."
Saturday, police plan to set up barricades around the ballpark to streamline the flow of traffic out after the game, and prevent traffic from moving in. Evans says in light of the Boston Marathon bombings, there will be more bomb-sniffing dogs on hand.
Friday night Lansdowne Street was a quiet scene, but the images of raucous crowds like the 2004 celebration are what the city is bracing for. Back in 2004, when the Red Sox won the ALCS championship, Emerson College student Victoria Snelgrove was killed when she was hit by a Boston Police pellet gun. Officers were trying to control a raucous crowd that had set fires in the streets around Fenway.
Mayor Tom Menino says the city's licensing board commissioner met with restaurant and pub managers this week to review security measures.
Fenway area bars and restaurants will be blocking prying eyes from their television screens by mid-game, and getting ready to lock the doors, especially if the Sox are on a roll.
"We know it's crazy from the get go," said Cask N Flagon manager Jason DeSantis. "By the fifth inning no one else will be allowed in the bar, and there will be cops all over the place."
Parking will be at a premium and restrictions are in place should celebrations end up in the streets.
The following temporary parking restrictions are being implemented to accommodate Red Sox games being played at Fenway Park this weekend. Restrictions will not be in effect on Sunday if there is no game.
"No Stopping Saturday 12 PM to 9 PM, and Sunday 4 PM to 1 AM"
- Beacon Street, both sides, from Kenmore Square to Park Drive
- Boylston Street, both sides, from Park Drive near Ipswich Street to Park Drive at Boylston Street, excluding HP-DV
- Brookline Avenue, both sides, from Beacon Street in Kenmore Square to Park Drive
- Burlington Avenue, both sides, Brookline Avenue to the Dead End, excluding HP-DV
- Overland Street, both sides, Brookline Avenue to the Dead End
- Fullerton Street, both sides, Brookline Avenue to the Dead End
- Commonwealth Avenue, both sides, both roadways, from Massachusetts Avenue to Blanford/Sherborn Street Deerfield Street, both sides, from Commonwealth Avenue to Bay State Road
- Ipswich Street, south side, from Boylston Street to Charlesgate East, excluding HP-DV
- Kenmore Square – in its entirety – both sides, both roadways, from Kenmore/Raleigh Streets to Deerfield/Beacon Streets
- Kilmarnock Street, both sides, from Brookline Avenue to Boylston Street
- Lansdowne Street, both sides, from Brookline Avenue to Ipswich Street
- Yawkey Way, both sides, from Boylston Street to Brookline Avenue
- Van Ness Street, both sides, from Yawkey Way to Fullerton Street
"No Stopping HP Vehicles Only Saturday and Sunday"
- Boylston Street, north side, from Ipswich Street to Kilmarnock Street
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