Menino calls for restraint during Super Bowl

February 1, 2008 01:08 PM Email| Comments (0)| Text size – +

By Donovan Slack, Globe Staff

Mayor Thomas M. Menino issued warnings to Super Bowl celebrants today to keep the partying safe on Sunday.

The mayor and his staff have been coordinating with local colleges and universities as well as bar owners to ensure fans are kept under control when the New England Patriots face off against the New York Giants for the championship.

"Public drinking will not be tolerated," Menino said in a press conference this morning. "Neither will destructive and dangerous behavior."

Boston police Commissioner Edward Davis said there would be significant police presence around Kenmore Square near Fenway Park during the game. Streets around the area will be closed at the beginning of the fourth quarter to prevent fans from gathering in the square and causing havoc. Parking restrictions around the square will be in effect beginning at 9 a.m. Sunday.

After the Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2004, James Grabowski, 21, was killed by a drunk driver who plowed into a crowd of revelers near Northeastern University.

The mayor declined to answer questions about plans for a potential victory parade. He said earlier this week that a parade would have to be held Tuesday, the same day that Massachusetts and 21 other states are holding presidential primaries or caucuses. Menino has since been under fire for possibly jinxing the Patriots by talking about a victory celebration before the game is played.

"We'll deal with Tuesday when Tuesday comes," Menino said at today's press conference. "There'll be no more questions about Tuesday."

New York police commissioner Raymond Kelly told the Associated Press today that the city is also planning a post-Super Bowl parade Tuesday if the Giants beat the New England Patriots. The parade would start at 11 a.m. near Battery Park, followed by a rally at City Hall Plaza at 1 p.m.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg refused to talk about parade plans, saying he didn't want to jinx the Giants, according to the AP.

Donovan Slack can be reached at dslack@globe.com.