ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of college football fans are in Orlando for the Cheez-It Bowl as Florida State takes on Oklahoma.
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Before the game even kicks off Thursday afternoon, the city has been planning for a big crowd, and all the security measures that come with it.
City officials and police have been planning with local bars and venues for weeks to keep football fans safe while they’re in town.
READ: Football fans gather for Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands in Winter Park
Police anticipate about 50,000 attendees to the game.
There will be added officers on foot and on bicycles around the bars, in addition to on the roadways.
In a statement, the police department said:
Photos: Football fans gather for Cheez-It Bowl parade of bands in Winter Park
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“We always plan and staff each event appropriately to provide proper public safety and assess the needs of the event to make any necessary security modifications. We will have increased patrol officers on duty, as well as numerous officers working at venues and businesses that will be hosting visitors and events.”
Earlier this month, the city voted on and approved several changes to improve the way downtown businesses work after multiple people were injured when a fight led to a shooting in July in Wall Street Plaza.
The new rules clarify the difference between bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It also changed the city’s zoning and permitting processes, and added additional security and lights to parking lots.
Watch: Orlando focused on safety as thousands to gather for Cheez-It Bowl at Camping World Stadium
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