JACKSONVILLE, Fla -- The big game is only five days away, and Georgia and Florida fans are already flocking to the River City. One of the spots they're already enjoying is the Jacksonville Landing. "I'm expecting bigger crowds this year than last year," said Fionn MacCool's General Manager, Paul Glaser.
He says they're more than ready for one of their biggest weekends. So is everyone else inside the Landing.
"We've prepared for months in advance for the thousands and thousands of people that will be here," said Michael Chambliss with the Landing.
But folks there know you can't prepare for everything. Two weeks ago, JSO says a Chicago Bears fan had his throat slashed in the middle of Fionn MacCool's and died.
"That was something that was just completely random," Chambliss said. "That's not something we ever see. Not just at The Landing but anywhere downtown."
JSO says mixing fans from opposing teams can get intense. They'll have heightened security all over downtown.
"There is altercations sometimes after the game and there is emotion in this game but there's plenty of police officers to be able to address all concerns," said Assistant Chief Leonard Propper.
It's something businesses at the Landing are thankful for. "We all have extra JSO on hand and everything else," said Glaser. "It does help."
The fans already in town say what happened two weeks ago isn't enough to scare them off from visiting the Landing.
"Anytime you get a bunch of people like this together you're bound to have some problems that happen," said Lester Revels.
Drew Creswell added, "It's just one of those things you gotta be smart and take care of yourself."
