MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Despite the return of the West Virginia University-University of Pittsburgh rivalry taking place in Pittsburgh on Thursday, Morgantown police have adjusted shift schedules to ensure units can keep the public safe during Thursday’s game and possible post-game festivities.
“We’re overlapping shifts, so during the game and the end of the game, we’ll call out the midnight shift a little early,” Police Chief Eric Powell said.
The game at Acrisure Stadium will mark the first football matchup between the programs in more than 11 years.
Powell said increased forces will patrol zones in the city and could reposition depending on crowd sizes and calls.
“That will all be determined as things play out and we see what type of reactions we need to make to mitigate problems as they come up,” he said.
Powell also reminded people to be responsible about consuming alcohol. Anyone who plans to drink should make travel arrangements to ensure they get home safely.
“We’re not here to stifle peoples’ fun or be a wet blanket. We’re just here to make sure things are done in a safe way,” Powell said.
“All that we ask is before you do things or make a bad decision, take a moment and think about the decision you’re making and how it might affect you and the people around you.”