Current:Home > MarketsTaylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready? -ProgressCapital
Taylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready?
View
Date:2025-04-15 09:43:10
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! (311)
Related
- Romantasy reigns on spicy BookTok: Recommendations from the internet’s favorite genre
- South Carolina Supreme Court to decide minimum time between executions
- Kelly Monaco Leaving General Hospital After 21 Years
- Why Garcelle Beauvais' Son Jax Will Not Appear on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 14
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Chiefs bringing JuJu Smith-Schuster back to loaded WR room – but why?
- Aaron Judge collects hit No. 1,000, robs HR at fence in Yankees win vs. Nationals
- Lowe's changes DEI policies in another win for conservative activist
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 4: Release date, time, cast, where to watch mystery comedy
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce Score Eye-Popping Podcast Deal Worth at Least $100 Million
- Comic Relief US launches new Roblox game to help children build community virtually and in real life
- Don’t Miss Gap Factory’s Labor Day Sales, Up to 70% off Plus an Extra 15% with Chic Styles as Low as $12
- Organizers cancel Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna over fears of an attack
- Health benefits of ginger: A guide to the plant's powers
- 'Give him a push': Watch beachgoers help stranded shark back into the water in Nantucket
- Recovering Hawaii still on alert as Hurricane Gilma continues approach
Recommendation
Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
Mariah Carey Shares Mom Patricia and Sister Alison Recently Died on Same Day
Mother of high school QB headed to Tennessee sues state of North Carolina over NIL restrictions
Shop Coach Outlet’s Summer Steals, Including Bags, Wristlets & More up to 70% off, Starting at $30
FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
Receiver CeeDee Lamb agrees to 4-year, $136M deal with Cowboys, AP sources say
Ben Affleck's Rep Addresses Kick Kennedy Dating Rumors Amid Jennifer Lopez Divorce
Patients suffer when Indian Health Service doesn’t pay for outside care