Security Deployed at Super Bowl to be Largest in Minnesota History

For Super Bowl LII, the largest security detail ever deployed in Minnesota — and in Super Bowl history — will be an enormously complex effort involving hundreds of officers from 60 police departments across the state, 40 federal agencies and related offices, 400 members of the Minnesota National Guard, and private contractors.

It took two years to plan security for Super Bowl LII, where the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in U.S. Bank Stadium Feb. 4, as well as the phalanx of parties and events leading up to the big day. The game itself is expected to draw more than 100 million television viewers, reports the Star Tribune .

About $5 million has been set aside by the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee for public safety, public works and other costs associated with the game and festivities. The committee is also reimbursing the state $1.08 million for deployment of the National Guard. "Our goal is to keep the city open, vibrant and safe during the Super Bowl," said Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo, whose department is leading the security effort.

The Department of Homeland Security attaches a Level 1 "special event assessment rating" to the event, the highest security designation available, because of the game's broad national and international reach.