NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — City officials are ready for tens of thousands of people to have fun in downtown and Bicentennial Mall for New Year's festivities, but they are not taking safety and security lightly.
About 500 personnel from the Metro Nashville Police Department, State Police, Park Police, Office of Emergency Management, Nashville Fire and a private security company are taking part to help enhance safety and guide traffic flow at this year's event.
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Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. CEO Butch Spyridon emphasized attendees taking precaution, as the event perimeter will be fenced and include seven entry points. People who will be joining should expect to walk through metal detectors and have bags and purses searched.
There will also be five public first aid tents and two command centers activated throughout the night.
"Nothing is more important than producing a safe event," Spyridon said. "We can have all the talent in the world but if it's not safe, it's not worth it."
House rules still apply which include certain items prohibited in the area. The full list can be seen here.
"Then we ask if you see something, say something. With 200,000 attendees, that's our best security so we need your help," Spyridon added.
Multiple bars along or near Broadway have also increased security for New Year's Eve. For one example, Icon Entertainment says its venues have detailed strategic security plans in place year round. It uses licensed plain clothes and uniformed personnel, which is adjusted as needed.
