ATLANTA — Channel 2 Action News saw increased security measures and a bomb-sniffing canine outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium as fans arrived for the Chick-fil-A peach bowl.
Police said the activity was a response to the tragedy that happened in New Orleans early Wednesday morning where 15 people were killed and dozens of others were injured.
Channel 2’s Tom Jones said he’s been to that stadium for sporting events quite a bit and police did a good job of keeping fans out of the streets and funneling them through an overpass.
He said he saw police all around the stadium for Wednesday’s game and fans he spoke to appreciate the extra security, but they said they were there to cheer on their favorite team.
“There is no place I’d rather be,” one Texas fan said. “Go Texas. Hook ‘em horns, let’s go!”
Some fans said they just had to be there to check out the University of Texas versus Arizona State University.
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“Oh man, this is a critical moment. This is gonna live with us for the rest of our lives,” fan Alex Whitely said.
While Jones saw plenty of Longhorn and Sun Devil fans, he also saw UGA Bulldog fans as well. One fan explained why it was so important to be there.
“We’re Georgia fans. We beat them last time, so I’d like to see them beat Arizona State,” the fan said.
Fans gathered against the backdrop of a tragic incident in New Orleans where UGA is scheduled to play in the Sugar Bowl.
More than a dozen people were killed, many others injured.
Atlanta police said it increased security measures and added specialized units around the stadium in light of the tragedy.
Brandon King appreciated the extra security.
“I like everybody to be safe,” King said.
Whitely lives here but is from Louisiana.
“I was just there for Christmas. That is terrible. I woke up and saw that news. It’s insane that you can’t start off the new year like this,” Whitely said.
Some fans wondered what would make someone want to end so many lives during a celebration of the new year.
“People take something really, really nice and they ruin it,” another fan said.
Texas ended up beating Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime to advance to College Football Playoff semifinals.
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