Houston leaders address CFP National Championship safety this weekend: 'Our bases have been covered'
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston city leaders laid out their plan on Thursday to make sure the College Football Playoff National Championship weekend is a safe one.
Mayor John Whitmire, along with HPD Chief Troy Finner, HFD Chief Samuel Peña, and other city leaders, discussed safety and security for not only Monday's game but the weekend of events in the city.
"I can assure everyone all of our bases have been covered," Whitmire said during the press conference.
Officials encouraged everyone to let law enforcement know if they notice anything or need help.
"We love our sports here in the city, and one thing - public safety is number one. And (the) first thing I want to say about public safety: It's the role of everyone," Finner said. "So we have our plan in place, but if you see something, say something."
All city agencies have been working on the event for over a year and remind Houstonians to be patient and kind with visitors coming in.
"We want you to come here and enjoy yourself. The Houston way." Finner continued.
Authorities said to plan ahead as the downtown area will be busy. If you can, use rideshare or METRO to avoid headaches.
There will be METRO ambassadors on hand throughout the transit system to provide directions or any other information.
Officials also recommend having a reunification plan for you and your family in case you get separated.
To enter NRG Park, there will be a clear bag policy, and everyone must go through security.
Parking lots to the park will open at 11 a.m., and no overnight parking will be allowed.
"Nothing will be held back in terms of safety, and we're here as a team and want everybody to have a good time. Good luck to the universities of Michigan and Washington, and may the best team win, but everybody needs to have a good time," Finner said.
You can text "CFPHouston" to 888777 to receive safety messages for this weekend's events. People can also sign up for AlertHouston to receive both emergency and emergency messages from the City of Houston.
Playoff Fan Central at the George R. Brown Convention Center runs Friday through Sunday.
There are also free concerts at Shell Energy Stadium starting Friday.
Latto, Jack Harlow, Megan Moroney, Jake Owens, and Jon Pardi are some of the artists set to perform.
SEE FULL LIST OF EVENTS: Here's your guide to this weekend's 2024 CFP National Championship events
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