INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown is set to welcome thousands of visitors from across the country for a packed weekend of sporting events, including high school and college basketball games, as well as professional soccer. As traffic builds and crowds gather, IMPD urges visitors to remain patient and alert. Officers are reminding everyone to report anything suspicious […]
INDIANAPOLIS — Downtown is set to welcome thousands of visitors from across the country for a packed weekend of sporting events, including high school and college basketball games, as well as professional soccer.
As traffic builds and crowds gather, IMPD urges visitors to remain patient and alert. Officers are reminding everyone to report anything suspicious and help maintain a safe atmosphere throughout the weekend’s events.
Reports can be made to 911 or (317) 327-3811.
IMPD is also warning drivers to be extra cautious with increased pedestrian traffic in the area. Safety officers are advising visitors to stay alert, avoid distractions and keep an eye out for both pedestrians and vehicles.
“Getting ready for these big weekends requires a lot of coordination,” Downtown Indy, Inc. president and CEO Taylor Schaffer said. “Public safety partners, city agencies and us at Downtown Indy all working arm in arm to keep the environment safe and welcoming.”
With large crowds expected for the NCAA men’s basketball Midwest Regional, the IHSAA boys basketball state finals and the Indy Eleven soccer home opener, IMPD is stepping up its presence in the downtown area using an ever-evolving safety strategy.
“We’re going to have a lot of people from out of town who aren’t familiar with the city,” Thompson said. “That’s going to lead to high pedestrian and vehicle traffic. We don’t want to see those two collide.”
Several organizations are lending a hand to ensure the downtown area remains safe and welcoming for all visitors. Downtown Indy, Inc. is coordinating efforts with public safety and city agencies to make sure the environment is both safe and inviting.
“That’s pre-planning, adjusting during the event, if necessary, and post-event evaluations to look at what we did well and where we can improve,” IMPD Ofc. Tommy Thompson said.
Their efforts also include making sure the city looks its best for visitors. Downtown Indy, Inc. has deployed its “Clean Team” to keep the area looking pristine.
Several high-profile sporting events are taking place downtown this weekend, where IMPD plans an increased presence.
