Current:Home > Contact-usTaylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready?-InfoLens
Taylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready?
View Date:2025-01-11 03:11:43
LAS VEGAS ‒ The Super Bowl 58 security team is ready for Taylor Swift if she does decide to make an appearance, according to officials.
While the Sunday game is designated as a SEAR 1 high-risk event by the Department of Homeland Security, officials told members of the media on Wednesday that there are no known specific or credible threats to the game or any of the surrounding events, and no known additional threats related to Swift.
Security officials are already “extraordinarily vigilant” when bringing together 65,000 people in one stadium, even without Swift’s presence, said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
“Our priorities (are) of safety and security for everyone in attendance, and that is what we are focused upon. And when there’s an additional celebrity who will bring more attention, we are already at a heightened state of vigilance,” Mayorkas said.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt: Swift ‘obviously’ security issue
While officials say they are well-prepared, Swift is "obviously a security issue anywhere she goes," Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt told SiriusXM Tuesday.
SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.
But Hunt noted that Swift's security team has experience moving her in and out of stadiums after the regular season, when Swift attended a dozen NFL games to cheer on her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
“She has a really talented security team," Hunt said. "They liaison with our security team, and we make sure we get her into and out of the stadium safely.”
MORE:Travis Kelce was one of NFL's dudeliest dudes. Taylor Swift shot him into the stratosphere.
Security around Las Vegas for Super Bowl
Sports security experts say the Super Bowl is always considered a potential target by bad actors, but that’s especially true this year given the United States’ role in recent conflicts in the Middle East.
“There are so many different parties that want to inflict harm to America. What better way to generate publicity than one of the biggest games in the United States?” said Gil Fried, a professor at the University of West Florida and a specialist in sports facility management.
“I think the fact that Taylor Swift is there will enhance how this target could be more attractive,” he added.
Despite the concerns, Fried said the people in charge of security at the game “know their stuff.”
Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill said security officials are "well-prepared," noting that preparations started as soon as the event was announced.
“I would feel comfortable bringing my family to the game,” Fried said. "That's probably the gold standard. Most of the time, I would not feel comfortable taking my family or young kids, grandkids, to an NFL game."
And Las Vegas' history of hosting large events makes it well-equipped to handle Super Bowl security, noted Bobby McDonald, a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven and a former supervisory Secret Service agent.
“You couldn't have a better infrastructure already in place,” McDonald said.
NOT SO SWIFT:Could Taylor Swift make it to Super Bowl if she flew commercial?
Will Taylor Swift be at the Super Bowl?
It’s still not clear whether Swift will make an appearance at Sunday's game.
The artist kicks off the 2024 leg of her Eras Tour on Wednesday in Tokyo, but it's possible she lands in Las Vegas before kickoff. (One possible hiccup? Finding parking. Spots available for private aircraft at airports in and around Las Vegas are already spoken for, according to the Associated Press.)
veryGood! (75)
Related
- Why Josh O'Connor Calls Sex Scenes Least Sexy Thing After Challengers With Zendaya and Mike Faist
- Tori Spelling's longtime manager wants '60 Minutes' investigation after 'DWTS' elimination
- AP Week in Pictures: Global
- UCLA baseball team locked out of home field in lawsuit over lease involving veteran land
- Kentucky governor says investigators will determine what caused deadly Louisville factory explosion
- US resumes hazardous waste shipments to Michigan landfill from Ohio
- US sweeps first day at Presidents Cup
- From 'Inside Out 2' to 'Challengers,' 15 movies you need to stream right now
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- Mother pleads guilty in the death of her 5-year-old son whose body was found in a park
Ranking
- Catholic bishops urged to boldly share church teachings — even unpopular ones
- Texas official indicted, accused of making fake social media posts during election
- Jury deliberation begins in the trial over Memphis rapper Young Dolph’s killing
- A New England treasure hunt has a prize worth over $25,000: Here's how to join
- Pie, meet donuts: Krispy Kreme releases Thanksgiving pie flavor ahead of holidays
- Miranda Lambert Shouts Out Beer and Tito's in Relatable Icon Award Speech at 2024 PCCAs
- California to apologize for state’s legacy of racism against Black Americans under new law
- Savannah Chrisley Speaks Out After Mom Julie Chrisley’s Sentence Is Upheld
Recommendation
-
New York races to revive Manhattan tolls intended to fight traffic before Trump can block them
-
Stevie Nicks releases rousing feminist anthem: 'May be the most important thing I ever do'
-
What Are the Best Styling Tips for Wavy Hair Texture? Everything You Need To Know & Buy
-
Funniest wildlife photos of the year showcased in global competition: See the finalists
-
Special counsel Smith asks court to pause appeal seeking to revive Trump’s classified documents case
-
Carly Pearce Weighs In on Beyoncé’s Country Music Association Awards Snub
-
Titan implosion hearing paints a picture of reckless greed and explorer passion
-
What to know about Hurricane Helene and widespread flooding the storm left across the Southeast US