Pgh. Public Safety Plans Revealed For Pitt Game, Light Up Night

PITTSBURGH, PA — Downtown and the North Shore will be packed with people Saturday as two major events occur: Day-long Light Up Night festivities will occur Downtown and the Pitt Panthers will attempt to capture the Atlantic Coast Conference Coastal Division title at Heinz Field.

The 60th anniversary of Light Up Night marks the unofficial start to the holiday season in Pittsburgh with multiple events beginning at noon and culminating in a fireworks finale at 9:30 p.m. from the Allegheny Overlook on Ft. Duquesne Boulevard. Pitt plays Virginia in a nationally televised game beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Public safety officials say they are prepared.

"City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety personnel from all of the bureaus will be in place to help provide a safe and fun experience for everyone in what is expected to be a large turnout,” Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police will partner with the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office,
Allegheny County Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Port Authority Police and State Park Rangers -- to provide uniformed and plainclothes officers throughout the venues. At the Pitt game, Public Safety will also be working with University of Pittsburgh Police.

Pittsburgh Police mounted and motorcycle Units will be in place, as will River Rescue and the Fire Boat, Pittsburgh EMS, Pittsburgh Fire and Emergency Management. The Pennsylvania State Police helicopter will be providing aerial support.

A number of light towers will be erected Downtown in addition to the ones already positioned on the South Side, where an increased police presence remains on busy weekend evenings. City cameras will also be fully operational.

Traffic and parking will be challenging. Attendees should consider ride-sharing or public transit options.

Police remind the public that drones are not allowed, nor are illegal weapons. In addition, city law prohibits the use of any fireworks, even those that are legal, within 150 feet of a structure.

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