Nov 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fans tailgate while holding signs the read “Stay in Oakland” before the NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It was inevitable based on the nature of the Bay Area rivalry, and increased security is going to be a reality for Oakland Raiders fans at the Coliseum on Sunday as the team does their part to ensure a safe environment around the O.co will be had for the fans who will be taking in the Raiders clash with the 49ers.
According to a statement released by the team, the Raiders along with the Oakland Police Department and Alameda County Sheriff Office have a plan in place to ensure that fan safety is maintained in a rivalry game that has seen some fan violence issues in the past. Enough that the NFL cancelled the preseason series between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders official press release:
"“The Raiders, Oakland Police Department, Alameda County Sheriff, and O.co Coliseum Management have worked together to create an increased law enforcement and security presence at Sunday’s game. This includes a substantial increase in uniformed law enforcement officers, additional undercover officers, and increased private security staff. Public safety is a top priority for the Raiders, O.co Coliseum, and local law enforcement and all are working diligently to ensure that fans enjoy a safe and secure environment.”"
Increased presence of security is not a knock on either fanbase, but a simple reality of any big rivalry in sports in the modern era of sporting events. Increased security is not uncommon whenever two rival fanbases are expected to be at the same venue, so while the increased security may be noticeable it is only there to ensure fan safety. At the end of the day preventing issues is far better than having to react to something bad happening on gameday so hopefully the presence of a security plan for Sunday’s game ensures that the only violence is on the field between the two teams in the Bay Area grudge match between the Niners and Raiders.