Current:Home > NewsTaylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready? -NextFrontier Finance
Taylor Swift may attend the Super Bowl. Is security around Allegiant Stadium ready?
View
Date:2025-04-27 03:39:36
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! (6)
Related
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Zach Edey mock draft: Where will star Purdue basketball center go in 2024 NBA Draft?
- Search underway for 2 teens missing in the water of New York City beach
- California boy, 4, who disappeared from campground found safe after 22 hours alone in wilderness
- Elon Musk’s Daughter Vivian Calls Him “Absolutely Pathetic” and a “Serial Adulterer”
- Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise's Daughter Suri Celebrates High School Graduation With Mom
- 5 convicted of operating massive, illegal streaming service called Jetflicks
- 2 people were taken to a hospital after lightning struck a tree near a PGA Tour event in Connecticut
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Cheetah cub 'adopted' by mother at Cincinnati Zoo, increasing his chances at survival
Ranking
- How effective is the Hyundai, Kia anti-theft software? New study offers insights.
- Florida rapper Foolio killed in shooting during birthday celebration
- FDA gives green light to menthol flavored e-cigarettes for first time
- FDA gives green light to menthol flavored e-cigarettes for first time
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- ‘Everything is at stake’ for reproductive rights in 2024, Harris says as Biden-Trump debate nears
- Watch as hero North Carolina dad saves toddler daughter from drowning in family pool
- Late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek to be honored with new Forever stamp
Recommendation
Jamaica's Kishane Thompson more motivated after thrilling 100m finish against Noah Lyles
‘Inside Out 2' scores $100M in its second weekend, setting records
What Paul McCartney said about Steven Van Zandt and other 'Disciple' HBO doc revelations
Noah Lyles wins opening round of men's 100m at US Olympic track and field trials
Meet 11-year-old skateboarder Zheng Haohao, the youngest Olympian competing in Paris
Yes, carrots are good for you. But there is one downside of overconsumption.
Caeleb Dressel's honesty is even more remarkable than his 50 free win at Olympic trials
Bitter melon supplements are becoming more popular, but read this before you take them