As Braves Secure First World Series Berth In 22 Years, Cobb OKs $350K In Added Security

COBB COUNTY, GA — As thousands descend on metro Atlanta and Cobb County for the next two games of the World Series this weekend, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved $350,000 for added security at Truist Park late Tuesday night.

Cobb public safety leaders already spent months working on a plan for Major League Baseball's All-Star Game earlier this year, before that event was moved to Colorado — which is the baseline plan they'll be using for the World Series games this weekend.

“We had already established relationships and a baseline plan,” Cobb Public Safety Director Randy Crider said in an emailed statement. “This will help us do our jobs better so all the fans coming to the World Series games will have a safe and pleasant experience."

The Atlanta Braves secured their first World Series run since 1999 last Saturday, and now Games 3 and 4 will take place Friday and Saturday. If needed, a fifth game will take place at Truist Park on Sunday, too.

Like this article? Sign up for our newsletter and get it delivered every weekday. It's free!

Cobb police have canceled leave, lengthened shifts and brought in special units to increase manpower around the stadium ahead of the games, county leaders said.

Additionally, Cobb police and the Cobb County Department of Transportation have a "proven traffic plan" to get people in and out of the area, and they will be coordinating with the Georgia Department of Transportation as well as neighboring cities to make sure fans can get in and out of the area as quickly and as safely as possible.

County leaders are also hoping as many area businesses as possible will encourage employees to work from home on Friday.

“Much like the Braves, we faced some adversity earlier this year,”Cobb BOC Chair Lisa Cupid said. “But we are eager for the eyes of the sports world to see the unique venue that is Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta which has helped solidify Cobb County as one of the premier tourist destinations in the southeast.”

Despite the added security, Cobb County police are still asking for the public's help in keeping it safe and fun this weekend.

"Yes, we will be out in numbers, but we can’t see everything and be everywhere. If you notice something out of place or a crime being committed, please call 9-1-1. Officers working in the area will be responding to 9-1-1 calls at The Battery and the surrounding areas in as quickly a manner as possible," a spokesperson for Cobb police said in a news release. "With the increased number of officers on foot patrol, our response time to calls will be greatly decreased (faster). Reporting criminal or suspicious activity as soon as possible can help keep everyone safe and quite possibly could avoid a potentially major dangerous situation for all."

Police are also reminding everyone attending the games to remember to"Lock-Take-Hide": lock your car when you park, take anything of value out of it before leaving home or your hotel or hide valuable items in the trunk before you get to Truist Park.

Additionally, Cobb County Police Department's Twitter feed (@cobbpolice1) will post regular updates of any traffic events and/or emergencies.

"The Cobb County Police Department is proud to be part of this historic occasion. And our #1 priority is to maintain a safe environment for all as we celebrate and root on our hometown Braves," the release said.

Related:

• Braves Win World Series Game 1, Lose Morton To Comebacker Injury
• Braves Head To First World Series Since 1999 With Win Over L.A.
• Return To Atlanta Up 3-2 'Great Position To Be In': Freeman
  
• PHOTOS: Braves and Astros Meet In World Series 2021
• Kemp Says MLB Caved To Fear In Moving All-Star Game From Atlanta