Homeland Security, police work to keep Winter Classic safe

Authorities work with NHL to make sure Winter Classic is secure

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Come Wednesday afternoon, more than 100,000 hockey fans will pour into the Big House for the Winter Classic.

Over in East Lansing, police are hoping they won't see a repeat of what happened following the Big Ten Championship game.

An event of this size being broadcast nationally taking place in the Big House requires big-time security.

The Defenders have learned FBI Homeland Security and local police all working with the NHL to make sure the Winter Classic is secure.

Security cameras will be scanning the crowd and choppers are expected to sweep the area. Many will see an increased police presence but there's also a lot of security you won't see.

Also on New Year's Day, the Spartans will take the field in Pasadena, but the Defenders learned Monday night about the security plan in place in East Lansing.

Fans went too far after the Ohio State win, so police will be heavily patrolling Cedar Village, the apartment complex near campus where rowdy crowds typically congregate.

Local police also getting additional support from Michigan State Police. The big advantage is most Michigan State University students won't be on campus, as they'll still be on break.


About the Author:

Hank Winchester is Local 4’s Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV’s “Help Me Hank” Consumer Unit. Hank works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off people in our community.