Sports

Security Tightened For Cell Playoff Game

CHICAGO (CBS) ― The taps will continue to flow – even through the seventh inning at bars around U.S. Cellular Field.

Chicago officials announced Saturday it won't ask for alcohol sales to stop during the game Sunday because any clinch game for the Sox now would be an away game.

"I think it's great. I think it's wonderful," said bartender Paula Mandile.
 
As an employee at First Base at 32nd and Normal, she says a seventh inning halt to alcohol sales wasn't necessary especially for her patrons.

"Let's enjoy, we're in the city of Chicago. We're not going to have riots or anything," she said. 

Maybe not, but city officials met Saturday to make sure fans, local residents, and visitors know the city has a plan for fan frenzy, no matter what the outcome. CBS 2 was told security will be tight. Police will crack down on illegal ticket sales, drunkeness – you name it.

The Friday night game in Tampa Bay is one many White Sox fans would rather forget.

"Now we've been beaten in Tampa Bay twice. It will be tough for the Sox to come back. But I say they will come back," said Ald. James Balcer (11th).

Balcer joined a team of Chicago officials preparing for the Sox to return to U.S. Cellular Field. They're applauding fans for their energy last Tuesday inside the "Cell" and their composure outside when the Sox won, it's behavior expected again Sunday.

"No public drinking. Don't litter. Just have a good time at the ballpark, but as though it were your home… respect it," Balcer said.

"I've seen fights when the Sox versus Cubs. I've seen girls taking off tops and all that," said area resident Diandra Scorza.
 
"People just walk past your house. Go in your gangway and like go to the bathroom or like throw their beer bottles in your yard," said Marissa DeCarlo.

Police are enforcing a "zero tolerance" policy for illgal parking, drinking in the streets and drunk driving. And the fire department will inspect area bars and restaurants watching for overcrowding.

It's action residents in the area appreciate. For the last game, police say a 350-person security team hired by the White Sox boosted Chicago police and firefigthers in the area to keep things safe.

We're told residents in the area have started to get reminders about parking restrictions around the ballpark. But there are street closures too. They include: 35th Street and LaSalle westbound and 35th Street and Wallace eastbound when the parking lots near the "Cell" are full.

In preparation for the end of the game, the following roads will be closed:

35th Street at State westbound
35th Street at Wallace eastbound
33rd Street and Wentworth southbound
33rd Street and LaSalle westbound
33rd Street and State westbound
33rd Street and Shields southbound and eastbound.

Click here for more tips on the best ways to get to the game by bus or train.

If the White Sox win Sunday and Monday, they still have to go back to Tampa Bay on Wednesday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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