Fans in New Orleans for the Bayou Classic can expect beefed-up security in the French Quarter this weekend. State Police troopers will join New Orleans Police and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office to help keep visitors from Baton Rouge and Grambling safe from Friday through Sunday. Trooper Jacob Pucheu says new for this year, they will be activating the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone which had previously been in place for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras earlier this year.
“And it’s just the area on Bourbon Street that is designated as an area for no vehicle traffic as well as people being subject to search of their bags, being subject to search if they’re bigger than a certain size,” Pucheu explained.
Pucheu says the National Guard will be brought in to help troopers maintain security in that area, which will span from Canal to St. Ann streets between Royal and Dauphine streets.
“We will be out there and they are assisting us, the National Guard, as well as the city, working barricades and making sure that everybody is safe,” Pucheu said.
In addition to vehicles being prohibited, coolers and ice chests are also not allowed. Those who have reservations at hotels within that zone can still get their luggage in, but there will be special procedures in place.
“We’re encouraging you to use the entrances to those hotels that aren’t right on Bourbon Street. However, you may be stopped and just asked to do a quick search just to make sure everything is fine,” Pucheu said.
