Atlanta

Georgia Dome putting on final touches ahead of NFC Championship game

ATLANTA — The touch-up work is underway inside the Georgia Dome ahead of Sunday’s big game.

Channel 2’s Berndt Petersen was inside the stadium Friday as crews painted the end zones and used big blowers to dry them.

The field is in the final stages of being prepared, and dome officials said they will be ready and so will the fans.

"The things people never see. Getting the field ready. The guys who work overnight. The hundreds and hundreds of hours that go into putting on an event by this team that truly is the best in the business," said Jason Kirksey of the Georgia Dome.

Outside the dome, the faithful are observing an official Atlanta holiday: Falcons Friday.

"Yes sir! Red and black. Falcons Friday, baby! Representing with the whole city," Falcons fan Cortavius Porter told Petersen.

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And while fans are sad to say goodbye to the dome, they're looking forward to a new era.

“If we're lucky, we'll go into the new building as defending champions," fan Rob Gilliam said. "That would be a great way to end the Georgia Dome's history, and a great way to start up the new!"

A dome spokesman said the field should be game ready Friday night.

Federal, state, and local police are already rolling out a complex security plan for Sunday's NFC Championship game.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant got exclusive insight into the strategies in place to keep fans safe.

Part of the safety plan comes in response to recent events.

Big barricades will keep cars away from crowds and there will also be plenty of warning signs for people to follow.

But a lot will happen behind the scenes.

The Atlanta Police Department's video integration center will have 24-hour, real-time monitoring of 7,600 surveillance cameras citywide focused on and around the Georgia Dome.

"This is the greatest asset we have in the city. Nothing like having these extra eyes to put us in places that we couldn't normally be while we're on patrol and doing the things that we do to keep the city safe," said Sgt. Warren Pickard with the Atlanta Police Department.

The center will be used to ID and track suspected bad guys.

Diamant watched as officers tracked anti-Trump protesters Friday during an Inauguration Day march.

With a much larger march set for Saturday, plus Sunday’s game, it will be all hands on deck throughout the weekend.

"It does provide you with a unique challenge when people are hyped on emotions, whether it's anger or joy," Pickard told Diamant.

And while police keep most tactics secret, fans Diamant spoke with said they know the stakes.

"Oh yes, always, because you have be present of your surroundings at all times. You never want to get got," Falcons fan Norris Parks told Diamant.

"I am very grateful and feel safe in Atlanta, Georgia," said fan Tereon Mattox.

APD leaders said they're rarely caught by surprise, but have the resources ready to react to minimize impact.

Aside from the standard “see something, say something” call, APD asks that if there is an emergency and you can do it safely, take pictures and get them to police.