Police say they have drafted a number of contingency plans to help deal with the large crowds that are expected downtown as the Blue Jays host their first playoff games in 22 years over the next two days.
Sell-out crowds will be on hand at the Rogers Centre on Thursday and Friday afternoons as the Jays host the Texas Rangers in Games 1 and 2 of the American League Division Series and police say they will have additional officers on hand to deal with the crowds that may flow out of the stadium and nearby bars following a big win or loss.
In addition, police say they also have already conducted threat assessments to determine what type of resources they may require for crowd control should the Jays advance further in the playoffs, up to and including the World Series.
“Preparations have been under way for some time and it is not a one size fits all (approach). We have a whole series of contingencies depending on whether it is home or away, day or night, rainy or sunny and where we are in the process in terms of first round, second round,” police spokesperson Mark Pugash told CP24 on Wednesday afternoon. “There are a whole host of factors that can have an impact on crowd behaviour and we have taken them all into account in making our plans.”
The Jays return to the playoffs for the first time since 1993 has created plenty of excitement across Toronto and as a result Pugash said police have had to adjust staffing levels and make arrangements to have extra resources on hand.
Police Chief Mark Saunders, however, told reporters earlier in the day that he isn’t worried about unruly crowds that will put a negative spin on the playoff games.
“It is a sporting event and we are going to keep it that way,” he said. “Nothing has led me to believe it is a security event so there is no need for me to go into that mode. If that’s the case we will go into that mode.”
First pitch for Game 1 is scheduled for 3:37 p.m. on Thursday while Game 2 will get underway at 12:45 p.m. on Friday.
In a tweet sent out around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Mayor John Tory confirmed that the city would be screening the games at Nathan Phillips Square.
“#ComeTogether to watch your @BlueJays at Toronto City Hall on the big screen,” the tweet read.
“See you in the #BirdsNest!
Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.
