1,000 police officers dispatched for SEC game

ATLANTA — More than a thousand law enforcement officers were on the streets of Atlanta as the city hosted the SEC championship game.

Drivers in downtown Atlanta would've seen an armed officer at nearly every street corner. Police were watching over the hundreds of thousands of people who were spending money in the city.

Chris Wehmer and his friend drove overnight to make it to the SEC championship game. They left Missouri at 7 p.m. Friday and drove into Atlanta at 6:30 a.m. Saturday. They made it to the game and they're doing it on the cheap.

"We're going to risk staying in our car," Wehmer said.

But Kermit Ward had a room at the W. He came to watch his son, a defensive back for Missouri play ball, and he's one of thousands who will drop more than a $1,000 in Atlanta this weekend.

"With food expenses and entertainment probably $1,200," Ward said.

Jimmy Griffis made the short drive from Birmingham, Ala. and brought the whole family.

"With tickets, hotel, gas and travel… probably $800, $900 maybe," Griffis said.

Take that and times it by thousands -- experts predict Atlanta will bring in $30 million this weekend with the game and other events around the city, and controlling all of it are law enforcers from several local agencies.

"We have Fulton County Sheriff's Unit, Georgia State Patrol, you name it," said Atlanta Police Capt. Adam Lee.

Lee said they only had to deal with scalpers and fake tickets. He said more than a thousand officers are on the streets, and they have all available personnel working.

There were no inside alcohol sales for this game because of the number of college kids. Lee thinks that help cut down on crime and other issues they often face during events where alcohol is sold.

WSBTV