As theme park operators in the region and across the U.S. heightened security measures for the holidays, organizers of three major football contests in San Diego said they, too, were taking steps to protect fans.
The Chargers' last home game of the National Football League season — and maybe the last ever in San Diego — is scheduled for Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium. The Poinsettia and Holiday bowls will be played at "The Q" over the next two weeks.
Asked about security, the Chargers reiterated a statement made by the NFL following last month's attacks in Paris, mainly that league officials are in touch with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FBI, and that measures are being taken to increase safety.
"The NFL and team security departments work closely with stadium operation personnel and federal, state and local law enforcement to provide a safe experience for the more than 17 million fans who annually attend NFL games," the statement said. "The NFL and its teams continually evaluate and improve our comprehensive security plan."
The steps include more uniformed law enforcement both in the stadium and outside in the parking lot.
The Chargers take on the Miami Dolphins at 1:25 p.m. Sunday.
Mark Neville, executive director of the San Diego Bowl Game Association, said his staff is working with Qualcomm Stadium management and the San Diego Police Department to ensure that the safety of fans, teams and other personnel.
"In light of the recent events, heightened security measures will be taken at both of the games, specifically, an increased presence of security and law enforcement both inside the stadium and in the parking lot," Neville told City News Service. "The San Diego Bowl Game Association's main goal is to provide a safe and fun family environment and we're taking the necessary precautions to ensure this."
The Poinsettia Bowl will match Boise State and Northern Illinois on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. The Holiday Bowl, with USC facing Wisconsin, is scheduled for Dec. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Fans of all three games are encouraged to arrive and enter the stadium earlier than usual.
At the Dec. 5 Mountain West championship football game between San Diego State and Air Force, attendees faced long extremely long waits to enter Qualcomm Stadium. The next day's basketball contest between SDSU and the University at San Diego at Petco Park also presented fans with long delays to get inside.
