Menino asks Red Sox fans to be respectful, stay safe

BOSTON (MyFoxBoston.com/AP) -- Security in Boston will be tight for the World Series games between the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals.

City officials say they want fans to be able to enjoy the game and to celebrate, but hope to avoid situations like the 2004 World Series where a 21-year-old woman was killed as police tried to disperse celebrating fans.

"Please help us to keep you safe and don't allow anyone to tarnish the image of Boston Strong," said Boston Police Superintendent Daniel Linskey, using the phrase that resonated after the April 15 bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon that killed three and wounded more than 260.

Linskey said Boston police have met with bar owners and will meet with college and university officials to talk about curbing underage drinking and keeping students safe. He said that since the bombings, people have stepped up and done what officials have asked in the name of safety.

He says there will be enhanced police presence for the first two games and everyone will be working if there is a clinching game in Boston.

Boston Mayor Tom Menino encouraged everyone attending the games to take public transportation. City officials said parking garages would be closed and no vehicles would be let out or in after the 7th inning of any potentially World Series-clinching game.

"This Red Sox team plays with a lot of heart," Menino said. "I want to thank the team for giving us another thrilling season of baseball."

Two-hundred businesses also received info packets detailing new guidelines put in place by the city. Among the new measures, establishments are asked to disperse lines outside of their buildings when they've reached capacity. They're also asked to clear areas outside of their businesses by the end of the fifth inning. Bars will also be required to turn people away during the seventh inning.

The World Series is expected to bring an estimated $10 million in revenue to the city.

The Red Sox won the World Series in 2004 and 2007, but team president and CEO Larry Lucchino said this year's team is different because of the way players have embraced and cared about the city and the region. Since the marathon bombings, there has been a 617 Boston Strong shirt in the dugout for every game.

Game 1 coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. on FOX 25 Wednesday.

Cox Media Group