Title
Super Bowl LVII Review
Description
This report provides an overview to the Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee on Super Bowl LVII results and public safety planning and coordination efforts that ensured a safe and secure event experience for Phoenix residents and visitors.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Super Bowl LVII marked the fourth time that the Greater Phoenix region hosted the Super Bowl. While State Farm Stadium in Glendale hosted the game, downtown Phoenix was the epicenter of fan-related activities and ancillary events over multiple days at sites including the Phoenix Convention Center, Symphony Hall, Margaret T. Hance Park and Footprint Center. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people attended official Super Bowl events in downtown Phoenix from February 4th through 12th. In addition to event attendees, a record number of media members converged upon the Super Bowl LVII Media Center at the Phoenix Convention Center. More than 6,000 media credentials were issued to local, national and international media to cover the game, press conferences and related stories. In addition, a record 128 radio and television outlets from 24 countries broadcasted live from the Media Center.
The day after Super Bowl Sunday marked a milestone for Sky Harbor International Airport as more than 200,000 visitors came through the airport, which was the single busiest day in the airport's history. The Valley Metro public transit system also supported Super Bowl week by moving over 250,000 visitors and residents to and from Super Bowl events via light rail.
Hosting a high-profile special event such as the Super Bowl with large crowds of local residents and out-of-state visitors requires a significant level of interagency coordination and support at the federal, state and local levels.
The Phoenix Police Department collaborated with multiple City departments, private sector stakeholders, local, state, tribal and federal partners to develop a comprehensive public safety staffing plan to support all Super Bowl related events in the City of Phoenix. Between the dates of Jan. 30, 2023, and Feb. 13, 2023, Super Bowl staffing of Phoenix Police Officers ranged from a low of 79 to a high of 648 officers based on the events and activities taking place each day.
Phoenix Reserve Officers contributed 64 reserve officers who worked 150 shifts totaling 1,252 hours worked. Glendale Police Department provided 119 police officers between the dates of Feb. 6, 2023 and Feb. 11, 2023, for a total of 1,190 hours worked. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) provided 16 deputies for a total of 112.25 hours in support of City of Phoenix operations.
Phoenix Police responded to 452 Calls for Service in the downtown area during this time frame, of which, 42 were related to the Super Bowl. The Police Department’s Human Trafficking Group, in partnership with several local, state, and federal agencies, conducted multiple enforcement programs resulting in approximately 273 arrests including 31 felonies, 242 misdemeanors, arrests of 47 buyers, identification of 8 traffickers, 12 investigative cases opened, and 4 recovered juveniles.
Phoenix Police deployed enhanced camera technology and Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology, otherwise known as drones, in support of Super Bowl public safety operations. Phoenix Police installed 49 new fixed cameras and deployed an additional 25 portable cameras in the downtown core. Phoenix Police leveraged existing camera access from other City departments, the NFL, and public stakeholder partners, to provide access to more than 3,400 cameras to support public safety efforts during this time. Between the dates of Jan. 30, 2023, and Feb. 13, 2023, Phoenix Police successfully flew 51 UAS missions providing both investigative support and event management. Integration of this new technology will continue to provide enhanced public safety well into the future.
The Phoenix Fire Department, despite continued staffing challenges, filled 622 positions for Super Bowl LVII events while continuing full service to the residents of Phoenix. From February 3rd through February 13th, the Phoenix Fire Department’s Super Bowl-dedicated personnel responded to 60 Super Bowl-related calls for service. The Fire Department provided fire engines, rescues, medic carts, joint hazard awareness teams, field intelligence teams, and airport bike teams to ensure fire suppression, emergency medical response, emergency transport, and enhanced situational awareness at all events and related locations throughout the city.
Additionally, the City of Phoenix Community Emergency Response Team’s (CERT) volunteers contributed 847 hours of service to the Public Safety Incident Management Team and the Regional Multi-agency Coordination Center.
The City of Phoenix Joint Police-Fire Homeland Defense Bureau facilitated and supported the Multi-agency Coordination Center on the Phoenix Fire Academy campus. Planning for the coordinated regional public safety efforts began in November 2021. Over 1,000 individuals from over 100 federal, state, county, local, private, and tribal agencies and departments worked collaboratively to support Super Bowl LVII events in nine cities across the Valley.
The Phoenix Fire Department and the Homeland Defense Bureau members facilitated and participated in 11 multi-agency tabletop and functional exercises in the year leading up to Super Bowl LVII. Additionally, over a dozen specialty training courses were delivered for the Fire Department's Special Operations and Homeland Defense Bureau members in preparation for the Super Bowl. These training and exercise opportunities provided a unique opportunity to build community networks while gaining knowledge, skills, and abilities that will continue to improve the Fire Department’s ability to protect and serve the residents of Phoenix well into the future.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Interim Deputy City Manager John Chan, the Phoenix Convention Center, and the Police and Fire departments.