ATLANTA — The Atlanta Police Department threw extra manpower to cover the city’s streets Sunday in hope of a Super Bowl win, watching over the city from the joint command center since early in the afternoon.
"We tried, man, me and my boys. We hurtin'. We got real tears but it is what it is," Falcons fan B.J. Jackson told Channel 2’s Nicole Carr.
Jackson was one of many disappointed Falcons fans who took to the streets after the game ended. Despite the mayor signing an extension so bars could stay open late Sunday night, some downtown bars closed immediately after the Falcons’ overtime loss to New England.
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Carr said she saw security officers work their way out into the streets as well.
Atlanta police have said all along they'd be ready for what ever happened in the wake of Sunday’s game.
"Win or lose, we're going to have to deal with emotions," Sgt. Warren Pickard, of the Atlanta Police Department, said.
Extra officers worked 12-hour shifts to line busy intersections in downtown Atlanta, monitoring bars.
“I can't even think about that new dome right now. I'm just stressed. But it's cool, we'll bounce back," Falcons fan Dax Lewis said.
Carr said police saw few major disturbances beyond the initial reaction to the team’s dramatic loss. Things remained relatively calm downtown.
Cox Media Group