Thousands of people are expected to pack Atlanta streets for Saturday’s New Year’s Eve events: The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl football game and the Peach Drop.
And while the Atlanta Police Department says increased security measures are in place, including assistance from various other agencies, those planning to attend are asked to do their parts to keep the events safe.
“We want to keep it safe for all of the citizens and patrons of Atlanta,” police Maj. Gary Harper said Thursday during a public safety briefing.
Law enforcement leaders have been planning ways to prevent violence from ruining the fun by monitoring other large-scale events around the country and world, police Maj. Eddie Smith said during the briefing.
“We’ve had an increase of active shooters taking place and we have measures in place to mitigate that,” Smith said. “Our plans are formulated to eliminate those types of incidents.”
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@
Guns will not be allowed into the Peach Drop event at Underground Atlanta, according to police. Department leaders also warned against any celebratory gunfire.
“Number one, it’s illegal and it’s extremely dangerous,” Harper said. “Often the people who are affected by the celebratory gunfire have nothing to do with the event at all. Bullets just travel where they’re gonna go.”
Between 50,000 to 60,000 are expected to attend the Peach Drop, which is back after a four-year hiatus. The event, which is free and will begin at 6 p.m., will feature concerts by Atlanta acts Da Brat, YoungBloodZ and Jagged Edge.
Long before crowds arrive at Underground, college football fans are expected to fill the streets around Mercedes-Benz Stadium for events leading up to the game. The Georgia Bulldogs will play Ohio State University at 8 p.m. Saturday, with the winner advancing to the national championship game.
A parade is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, followed by FanFest at 3 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center.
For those not using ride-share services, metered parking will be available along with other lots. Smith said those who drive downtown should park in well-lit areas and secure any valuables in their vehicles, making sure to lock all doors before walking away. MARTA is another option, and the transit agency said it is ready for additional riders and will run more frequent trains.
The weather could make for a soggy outing for those heading downtown. Channel 2 Action News meteorologists are predicting an 80% chance of rain Saturday, including scattered afternoon thunderstorms.
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Credit: Natrice Miller / Natrice.Miller@ajc.com
Atlanta police will have its air and drone units available, weather permitting, Smith said. The Georgia State Patrol, Georgia State University police, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and MARTA police are among the other agencies that will be assisting with security efforts.
Officers will also be enforcing the city’s 11 p.m. curfew for juveniles, according to police. Children and teens must be accompanied by adults in order to attend late events.
Above all, those attending the weekend events should be aware of their surroundings and remain cautious, police said.
“For any suspicious activities, we should have a lot of officers that should be highly visible on the streets,” Smith said. “Notify an officer immediately. Reach out to 911 if there’s not an officer.”
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