KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — The Western Michigan University Public Safety Department says it will be out in full force this Saturday for the school’s football home opener against North Carolina Central.
WMU Police Chief Scott Merlo says over 20 of his officers will be patrolling tailgate lots and controlling traffic near Waldo Stadium.
“Also, we’re going to have officers from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Public Safety, Kalamazoo Township, the Portage Police Department and Richland,” Merlo said. “It is all-hands-on-deck.”
He’s says the 7 p.m. kickoff will likely lead to a rowdier-than-normal atmosphere around campus, but nothing like 2015’s opener.
“With the Michigan State opening game, that posed more problems than what we’re used to,” Merlo said. “But that went off without any hitches, and I expect the same this year.”
Officials are expecting a good turnout, thanks in part to the Broncos’ upset win last week at Northwestern.