As the countdown to the Super Bowl kickoff in Las Vegas begins, local and federal authorities are taking bold steps to ensure a secure and thrilling sporting event on Sunday, February 11. From clearing homeless individuals from drainage tunnels to deploying low-altitude helicopters for radiation checks, the city is leaving no stone unturned.

The Las Vegas Super Bowl Host Committee has mobilized 36 public safety and security working groups to handle the event. Typically, approximately 180 officers are deployed during Raiders football games, but of course, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police is upping the ante with additional personnel strategically positioned across the Strip and downtown areas to promote safe festivities.

Downtown Las Vegas is set to come alive with three nights of free concerts leading up to the Super Bowl. Private security K9 teams from Protective Force International will be on hand in the popular, off-strip, pedestrian mall. And hey, Fremont Street Experience isn't just an LED-lit corridor; it's now home to a brand-new substation for both Metro Police and City Marshals.

Starting Monday, Allegiant Stadium will erect a 300-foot fenced perimeter, and entry will be restricted to credentialed individuals. The Hacienda Bridge will be given extra attention and protocols in order to transport up to 80 percent of game attendees. Stringent enforcement is outlined for vehicle escorts reserved for the Super Bowl teams, referees, team owners, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. 

Private jets (yes, like Taylor Swift's arriving after her Era's Tour Tokyo show) will ascend onto Sin City, and the Clark County Department of Aviation plans to leverage all Southern Nevada airports, including Harry Reid International Airport and Henderson Executive Airport, to accommodate the high-flying guests.

But it's not all glitz and glam. Las Vegas authorities and nonprofit groups are not overlooking the challenges of homelessness. Storm drain tunnel sweeps by Metro Police, offering alternative housing options, and prevention of re-entry until after the Super Bowl are part of the multifaceted approach. Shine A Light, a local organization has observed a thinning out of valley tunnel residents since the culmination of Formula One Racing and other highly anticipated events.

Designated as a Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security, the Super Bowl grants Las Vegas the highest level of security for large-scale events. Federal resources, including additional K-9s for security sweeps, are at the city's disposal. The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration adds another layer of vigilance. Low-altitude helicopter flights will measure radiation levels across the valley this week, a practice common during large events like Las Vegas' New Year's Eve celebration.

The Department of Homeland Security is on high alert, with intelligence personnel actively involved in counter-terrorism efforts. Their focus extends to preventing counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise and conducting checks at various locations, including flea markets and online platforms.

In a proactive move, CISA, the NFL, Allegiant Stadium, and Super Bowl LVIII partners conducted a tabletop exercise in September, enhancing cybersecurity and response capabilities. This marks CISA's 10th year collaborating with the NFL in order to stay a step ahead of hackers, phishing, and ransomware to safeguard television's most-watched event.

As Las Vegas prepares for the Super Bowl, a comprehensive security approach covering homelessness initiatives, radiation checks, counter-terrorism efforts, and cybersecurity responses is in full swing. For attendees, it's not just about cheering for your team; it's about embracing the guidelines for a safe and unforgettable experience. Leave the large purses at home, opt for clear vinyl, do not drink and drive, and get ready for a Super Bowl extravaganza like no other.