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Extra layers of security in place ahead of Super Bowl

Posted at 9:05 PM, Jan 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-01 08:41:17-05

MIAMI - Super Bowl weekend has arrived, and fans are arriving by the thousands in South Florida.

From drummers marching through Bayfront Park in Miami, to live stunts and shows on the water, football fans like Paul Montgomery are soaking in the Super Bowl experience. He booked a hotel in West Palm Beach and is driving down each day to cheer on his beloved Kansas City Chiefs.

“People from other teams ever since we’ve been here are saying I want you guys to win because it’s been so long,” said Montgomery, who was born and raised in Kansas City.

Streets around the fan festival have been shut down for Super Bowl weekend, and outside Hard Rock Stadium U.S. Customs and Border Protection showed WPTV their X-Ray technology being used to scan every vehicle entering the stadium. Then, K-9s pass-through for an extra layer of security.

“We like to look at it this way, we’re using humanized technology, and good ole K-9 sniffing capabilities to detect explosives, narcotics or anything that may be a threat,” said Zach Mann, spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Black Hawk helicopters were also circling the skies above the stadium Friday as boats patrolled the waters around Miami to keep fans like Carrie Staley and her daughter safe. Her husband is an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers.

“It’s really special it’s obviously the pinnacle for those guys what he’s dreamed of since a little boy, so we’re just hoping they can come through on Sunday with a win,” Staley said.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection also told WPTV fighter jets will be flying and will refuel in the air so they can be in the sky during the entire game.

Law enforcement is encouraging anyone going to Miami this weekend to have fun, but also remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.