The declaration comes amid protests, some violent and destructive, in response to the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott that have taken place in uptown Charlotte, where the stadium is located. The protests were expected to continue Sunday.
MORE: Why NFL couldn’t move game
Putney wrote:
Putney goes on to say that according to multiple intelligence sources, “protests and acts of disruption will continue in Center City Charlotte.”
According to an ESPN report, police were told Saturday night that protesters would gather Sunday morning at Marshall Park, about a mile from Bank of America Stadium, and plan to march to the stadium where they will attempt to block all entrances, including those for players and officials.
Several NFL games last season were declared Extraordinary Events, WBTV.com notes.
MORE: Player protests, captured in must-see images
Wednesday night’s protests in Charlotte turned into rioting and looting. Since then, the demonstrations have been mostly non-violent, although to call them “peaceful” is a stretch. They’ve been tense, at least, and demonstrators have blocked major roadways in the area.
Some folks surely will elect to stay home instead of going to Sunday’s game, but the city and Panthers organization believe they are prepared to keep the day free of violence.
