Mayor Walsh Tells Patriots Fans In Boston 'Be Smart' After Super Bowl
BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Mayor Marty Walsh wants fans to respect the city and one another as they watch the Super Bowl and react to the outcome, win or lose on Sunday.
"What we need most is cooperation from the public," said Walsh in a news conference at City Hall Friday. "I'm asking all fans to help us by being responsible... respect our city, respect the residents of our city, respect the people that are coming out regardless who they are cheering for if they are cheering for the Rams, if they are cheering for the Patriots, it doesn't matter, just respect each other."
"Respect people's property, respect people's cars, respect peoples livelihoods," Walsh continued.
"The Patriots represent a sustained excellence in teamwork, planning, strategy, and effort. Those values reflect our city and our region."
While saying, "we are certainly proud of our team, no other city has really seen a team like the New England Patriots, or a dynasty like the Patriots," Walsh emphasized that safety is his first priority.
He reminded fans to use public transportation, listen to public safety officers, dress appropriately, and drink responsibly.
Boston Police, Fire, EMS, MTBA are all prepared to respond to any type of situation, Walsh said.
"We've made safe celebrations a new normal," said Walsh of past championship celebrations.
Earlier this week, Boston Police Commissioner William Gross issued a letter to college students in the city reminding them to "celebrate in a safe and responsible manner."
"We pretty much have the same plan," said Gross, referencing the multiple times the Patriots have gone to the Super Bowl.
A number of streets will be closed to traffic or have a parking ban, especially in and around Kenmore Square by the third quarter, where fans tend to gather. For the full list visit the BPD website.
"Look out for each other," Gross added. "We don't want any tragedies as a result of a game."
Letters advising that there should be no re-entry of patrons in bars and restaurants have been distributed.
At Boston Beer Works, manager Marcos Laguna says that will be the policy for the entire game. "There's no re-entry that's very important. Once customers are in they can't go out for any reason," said Laguna.
If they do, they'll lose their seat. Some Patriots fans say they won't let happen, though. "The energy, all the Pats fans, we're just game on, ready to go," said Connor Whittemore who was having lunch at the restaurant.
When it comes to all the added security measures fans said they've been down this road many times before.
"At this point, everybody is used to it, they know what they can do and what they shouldn't do," said Tom O'Hare.
Boston University student Jason Wilmot said, "B.U. encourages us to be safe and stay away from that because it's generally havoc in Kenmore Square."
But havoc is one thing the city isn't tolerating.
Walsh said, "Be smart about what happens at the end of the game, win or lose it doesn't matter, it's a game. If it comes down to a bad call, we've seen that, let's act responsibly in the city of Boston."
