ARIZONA, USA — As the Valley prepares to welcome nearly a million visitors for Super Bowl LVII, Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps said their biggest challenge is security.
"There are very few events worldwide that have the importance and exposure that Super Bowl brings," said Phelps.
"If you look at the security plan from 2015, the one for 2023 has all kinds of new tools and technology that we will use to keep the public safe," Phelps added.
Commander Brandon Blanco's said this is his fifth Big Game. He said keeping a massive event like this safe requires a coordinated effort - nearly 20 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on patrol.
"There will be undercover officers, and vehicles, so don't try anything," said Blanco.
Special units will be deployed to prevent threats across the spectrum, from sex trafficking to spotting counterfeit merchandise. Drones will assess the crowds from above in real time, and bomb-sniffing dogs and even helicopters will track radioactive materials on the ground.
But the Super Bowl prep continues beyond there. The City of Glendale's investing millions in beautifying and developing the area surrounding State Farm Stadium.
"The road project alone was north of $5 million for our road project," said Phelps.
Visitors will see new and more significant street signs and fresh landscaping using desert-friendly plants.
"As long as we do our job and have a quality experience with lots of things to do. Super Bowl will be a real boom for our future travel leisure business," Phelps said.
It's the city's third Super Bowl, but Glendale expects to bring in a lot more revenue this year. With the addition of five new hotels and 1,600 hotel rooms, the city is ready to welcome guests and their deep pockets.
"Nobody does big events better than the Valley, and I can't wait to have more events in the future," said Phelps.
Super Bowl
Get all the latest news and updates about what is happening around the Valley for Super Bowl LVII.