by Peter Currier, intern, WSU ’17
The refurbished globe on the campus of Westfield State University (Photo by Peter Currier)
WESTFIELD – The public safety department of Westfield State University is preparing to take extra security measures for the SuperBowl this Sunday.
The campus police are taking extra steps due to the riots that happened on campus when the Patriots won SuperBowl 49 in 2015, and when the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2013.
Director of Campus Communication, Tricia Oliver said that Public Safety will have extra patrols during the game. The University’s EMS club will also be on call, with the city ambulance on standby if necessary.
Both riots were centered around the campus globe, which had to be replaced due to irreparable damage done to it after the Patriots last SuperBowl win against the Seahawks two years ago.
An email was sent out by the Dean of Students to the student body urging students to enjoy the game and celebrate but to do so responsibly. The same email detailed several events happening on campus during the game, including a viewing party in the Dining Commons.
Tim Grow, a student EMT who was on call during the riot that destroyed the globe, said the university EMS did not get called to any injuries that night.
The globe was removed shortly after due to safety concerns, and a campaign to raise money and replace it was launched by the University administration and the student body.
The replacement globe was put in place in May, 2016, over a year after the destruction of the original.
