Columbus Police Consider Security Factors Ahead of MLS All-Star Game

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Events in downtown Columbus don’t stop after Red, White and Boom! — events continue week after week, with a special event for football fans taking place on July 24.

The MLS All-Star Game will kick off at Lower.com Field in the Arena District, and Columbus will welcome fans from around the world.

“This gives Columbus a global exposure. We know soccer is a global sport and this gives us an opportunity to showcase ourselves and introduce people to a truly unique culture,” said Brian Ross, president and CEO of Experience Columbus.

The event will draw at least 20,000 people to the downtown area and is expected to have an economic impact of about $20 million.

It is now a question of guaranteeing the safety of these visitors.

“We are in the moment, but we are also strategically planning for this event, making sure that we are in constant analysis, analyzing any threats or concerns so that we can anticipate them,” said Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.

“We regularly host major events and we know we have a plan in place. We will have the resources and support to ensure their safety,” said Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther.

ABC 6 News asked what the police game plan was and other details on how the CPD would seek to ensure security not only for the game, but also for concerts and other events.

Chief Bryant said she couldn’t give specific details, but said they would be “ready” and that their officers knew to expect a busy summer.

“All hands on deck and we continue to work,” she said.

Fans also agree that they feel like everything will go smoothly when the event takes place.

“It’s an open, welcoming and brutally friendly place, and I know that anyone who comes here from out of town will leave falling in love with Columbus,” said Morgan Hughes.

“There are a lot of safety plans in place, so I feel like they’ve done their due diligence to make sure the Short North doesn’t happen again,” Heather Giles said.

Overall, fans are grateful that this event is happening in their backyard.

There’s so much going on here that they’re really able to showcase what Columbus is all about, and it’s a football town,” Giles said.