The bowl game in Charlotte comes just days after the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans was pushed back by a deadly attack.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. β Friday saw fans from beyond the Queen City pour into Charlotte’s Uptown for a major college football game. But in the days before, tragedy elsewhere caused local law enforcement to boost security measures.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police DepartmentΒ shared more about how it planned to keep fans and citizens safe during the 2025 Duke’s Mayo Bowl football game on Friday.
On Thursday, the department discussed security plans during a news briefing hosted by Lt. Crystal Fletcher. She first offered condolences to those affected by the deadly attack in New Orleans, including the victims who died and officers wounded after exchanging gunfire with the suspect.
“In the aftermath of such events, it is crucial for all of us to reflect, learn, and grow,” Fletcher said. “These moments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance.”
Fletcher said CMPD has evaluated and enhanced the department’s security measures, acknowledging the bowl game is a major event. Fletcher noted the department did further planning in light of the attack.
“While we cannot provide specific details for operational reasons, I want to reassure everyone that there will be a significantly increased presence and enhanced measures throughout the event,” she said.
The Duke’s Mayo Bowl took over Bank of America Stadium on Friday, Jan. 3, with the Minnesota Golden Gophers taking on the Virginia Tech Hokies. Kickoff happened at 7:30 p.m. and the Golden Gophers were victorious, earning their eighth straight bowl win 24-10.
Fletcher reminded attendees of the stadium’s prohibited item policy as well, which includes weapons, non-transparent bags, alcohol, fireworks, and laser pointers. Some items like folding chairs and seat cushions with covers are also prohibited. Those items must either be discarded or taken back to cars.
Thursday’s briefing happened in the wake of a deadly attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on New Year’s Day. As of Thursday, officials say 14 people have died and dozens more are injured. The attack prompted officials to delay the Sugar Bowl – held at the Superdome in New Orleans – by a day.
The attacker was determined to be a U.S. Army veteran and U.S. citizen from Texas. Officials confirmed he spent part of this time in the military at Fort LibertyΒ in North Carolina when it was formerly named Fort Bragg.Β
Ahead of the news conference, CMPD shared a statement on X addressing the attack:
The attack in New Orleans has impacted the men and women of our department as it has members of the Charlotte community. As our city prepares for Friday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl at Bank of America Stadium, additional security measures are being taken.
We ask everyone attending to trust their instincts and report any potential suspicious activity. We are committed to the safety of everyone attending Friday’s game.
The game Friday was preceded by a fan fest, which saw the increased security promised by CMPD. Safari Jones, a percussionist who plays on buckets in Uptown, told WCNC Charlotte the need for the added security weighed heavy on him.
“When I sat down to start playing, I prayed to God about all the families,” he said, referring to the loved ones of the victims who died in New Orleans.
Jones added that seeing more officers was encouraging, and that seeing people still enjoying the Mayo Bowl was uplifting for him.
“[CMPD officers] are always protecting the community and making everything alright,” he said. “I always see a lot of people, this has been more and it feels good.”
