Police detail multi-agency security plan for Final Four

Downtown street closures planned for potential Final Four run

City to enact glass bottle and rooftop bans if KU reaches Elite Eight

Temporary entertainment district for tournament rejected

City prepares business guidance on alcohol rules for 2026 FIFA World Cup

1. Police detail multi-agency security plan for Final Four

LAWRENCE, Kan. - With the National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball tournament underway, the Lawrence Police Department outlined its security strategy for potential Final Four celebrations, coordinating with approximately 20 law enforcement agencies. Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius, the incident commander for the event, outlined the department's plan to deploy roughly 60 personnel if the University of Kansas reaches the Elite Eight. If the team advances to the championship, the city expects a crowd of up to 100,000 people and will deploy between 250 and 300 officers.

2. Downtown street closures planned for potential Final Four run

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Lawrence city officials have met with Downtown Lawrence Inc. to coordinate extensive street closures should the University of Kansas advance deep into the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. If the team reaches the Final Four, police plan to close downtown streets from Seventh to 11th streets starting as early as 5 a.m. on game days to safely accommodate massive crowds of celebrating fans.

3. City to enact glass bottle and rooftop bans if KU reaches Elite Eight

LAWRENCE, Kan. - To mitigate safety risks during potential National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament celebrations, City Manager Craig Owens plans to enact an existing ordinance prohibiting glass bottles and rooftop gatherings in the downtown area if the University of Kansas makes the Elite Eight. Deputy Chief Anthony Brixius noted that while public consumption of alcohol remains illegal during these celebrations, law enforcement's primary focus will be on confiscating hazardous items like glass and kegs rather than issuing alcohol citations.

4. Temporary entertainment district for tournament rejected

LAWRENCE, Kan. - A temporary entertainment district to allow open alcohol containers downtown during potential Final Four celebrations will not be established this year. While the concept was previously discussed, existing codes that grant emergency provisions to the city manager will be relied upon instead. Current Kansas law strictly regulates where alcohol can be consumed on public sidewalks, and those laws will remain in effect.

5. City prepares business guidance on alcohol rules for 2026 FIFA World Cup

LAWRENCE, Kan. - Prompted by discussions regarding public drinking, Lawrence city officials announced they are developing updated guidelines to educate downtown businesses on liquor laws ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Because nearby Kansas City is serving as an official host city for the global tournament, Lawrence is preparing for a significant regional influx of international tourists and sports fans. Lawrence city staff members are working with incident command to ensure bars and restaurants understand the strict boundaries for alcohol consumption. The effort aims to prevent establishments from inadvertently jeopardizing their liquor licenses while accommodating visiting crowds.

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