Officials say law enforcement from around the region will help manage an expected crowd of 350,000 at Ole Miss, LSU game
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Security is increasing in Oxford ahead of Saturday’s game between Ole Miss and LSU, with law enforcement agencies from around the region expected to assist, according to the university.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is deploying 65 to 70 troopers to Oxford this weekend. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety says that is the largest deployment of troopers to a game day event.
“This weekend will bring a significant number of visitors to Oxford, and our priority is making sure everyone can enjoy the game and surrounding events safely,” said Mississippi Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell.
“I guess there are real safety issues and stuff. So there are people who have a plan for that,” LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said in a press conference.
“I think it would be one of the biggest crowds that any of us have ever seen. So you take that into consideration,” Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen said.
The game marks the latest edition of the 132-year-old rivalry between Ole Miss and LSU. It is also Kiffin’s return nine months after he left Ole Miss as the Rebels prepared for the College Football Playoff.
Kiffin faced backlash from Tennessee fans in Knoxville five years ago. He told his players not to worry about the reaction he may receive in Oxford.
“I said there is going to be so much attention and hatred toward me, you just get to go play,” Kiffin said.
With 350,000 people expected, law enforcement agencies from around the region will be in place to help, according to the university. Daniel Sanford, director of University Police and Campus Safety, encouraged fans to be respectful and said the university is ready for the crowd.
“I think it’s going to be like when our Vice President came to school here. I know there were a lot of security measures and stepped up for things like that. And whether we like it or not, here in Oxford, sports is way bigger than politics, so I think it’s going to be even bigger than that,” RebelWatch host Erika Dierke said.
Sanford said he could not give specifics about security measures for safety reasons. He added that fans and visitors should be patient this weekend.
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