Security officials hold a briefing ahead of Super Bowl LII. (Carl Stevens/WBZ NewsRadio 1030)
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MINNEAPOLIS (WBZ-AM) -- A heavy police presence could be seen in downtown Minneapolis this week ahead of Super Bowl LII.
It's not just state and local officials--Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen says about 1,700 officials have been brought in to help, being used to prep the security perimeter, monitor security, and respond if needed.
But Nielsen also said one of the first lines of defense would be those attending the game.
"You're there, you'll notice if you do see something suspicious," she said. "And if you do, we ask that you let us know, and then we'll track it down and make sure that it's nothing to cause any alarm."
Nielsen pointed out there is no credible threat against the game.
Minneapolis FBI SAC Richard Thornton compared their preparation to what the two teams playing on sunday have been doing.
"Philadelphia and New England coaches, they've done the x's and o's, and it will soon be the players' job to execute that plan," he said. "In law enforcement, it's the same thing."
The other concern is the cold.
The Super Bowl game is played inside, but there's a large security perimeter around the stadium--and NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier is concerned people may have to wait outside in single-digit temperature.
"Even if you're only out for a few minutes, it can get quite cold here," she warned. "You need to dress in layers, hats, gloves, scarves covering your extremities, comfortable shoes, and boots."
She suggested fans board a train out at the Mall Of America, where they'll be pre-screened.
That train will take them inside the security perimeter, and Lanier said it is by far the warmest way to get to the game.
WBZ NewsRadio1030's Carl Stevens reports