Indy Homeland Security to increase presence for Colts game

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Thousands of football fans are headed downtown this weekend for a heated rivalry game.

Because of the bad blood between the Patriots and Colts, and because of the large crowds expected, city officials are ramping up security efforts.

There are typically about 70 officers on the streets of downtown Indianapolis for a Colts game day. This Sunday that number will increase to about 100.

“We have a history with them, they have a history with us,” Homeland Security Deputy Chief Michael Bates said. “That’s the whole point of kind of taking things a little bit to the next level as far as officers downtown.”

Officers will be on the lookout for anything from from counterfeit tickets to disorderly fans.

“Anything’s possible. Especially when you mix this type of rivalry with some alcohol,” Bates said. “It tends to escalate things maybe a little bit.”

The added security is a good plan, according to Colts fan Ken Hill. He said he’s seen the rivalry turn ugly.

“Unneeded name calling, things like that. A lot of profanity,” Hill said of a previous Patriots vs. Colts game he attended. “You don’t need that.”

The Armitage family from New England said they’re not expecting fans to get out of hand.

“I’ve heard people from Indy are pretty nice and we’re pretty nice fans as well,” Brian Armitage said.

Bates said anyone who runs into any trouble downtown should find a nearby officer and let him or her know.