San Antonio Boosts Security for NCAA Final Four

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said his department has partnered with 12 other agencies to collect intelligence and keep the events and attendees safe.

• By Jessica Davis
• Mar 29, 2018

Officials from the city said Monday they’re prepared to keep 93,000 visitors safe during events for the NCAA Men’s Final Four in downtown San Antonio, which begin Friday. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said his department has partnered with 12 other agencies to collect intelligence and keep the events and attendees safe.

McManus said at a news conference that San Antonio’s history of hosting large events, such as a previous Final Four and the yearly Fiesta celebration, has prepared them for hosting the Final Four events this weekend.

"We have covered every single detail of security that you can think of, even things that you will never think of," McManus said. "We've covered them and, again, I repeat, this is absolutely going to be a safe event."

San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood said firefighters and paramedics will be ready. He said that not only would they be available for medical injuries and ailments, but in case of a larger security emergency.

"We are here for the person who falls down and cuts their ankle. We're going to be here for someone who may have a heart attack," Hood said. "But we're also here to prepare for something more sinister, again, we hope will never happen. Our resources are here, planned and staged for this event."

According to officials, a clear-bag policy will be in effect and enforced at all Final Four events, including the Men's basketball national semifinals Saturday and the championship game Monday, Fan Fest, the music festival and the NCAA collegiate All-Star game.