Big events to bring thousands to Downtown Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Police are getting creative and setting big goals for some big events that are planned in Downtown Fresno. Police are preparing for thousands of people to flock to the area.

Chuckchansi Park will host one of those big events. A special exhibition soccer match will be held at the stadium and it's expected to be standing room only. Police are already planning ahead with the goal of not one crime.

Last year's Mexican League Exhibition Match played in front of a sold out and standing room only crowd. It's a scene that's expected to be re-created this year, with different teams, but the same excitement will fill the streets of downtown.

Craig Scharton, the Fulton Mall Manager said, "The soccer match that's something that everyone should come see- you think people are enthusiastic about American football or baseball nothing compares to the enthusiasm of a soccer crowd."

In fact, the Downtown Fresno Partnership is already fielding phone calls from all over the state about this year's match.

Scharton explained, "We're working with our businesses so they know when the events are coming so they stay open at night and they're full and lively and fun and people in town will have a great experience and it continues to build".

A good experience is what Fresno police are already talking about. They're expecting more than 15,000 people to flood downtown for the July 10th match, as thousands of tickets have already sold.

Chief Jerry Dyer said, "Our goal is to not have one single vehicle broken into or stolen during these events."

The Chief and his top brass within the Fresno Police Department are also talking about the Miss. California Pageant which will be at the Saroyan Theatre in two weeks.

Both events bear the same goal for Fresno police, causing officers to get creative about the way in which they flood the downtown area but with a police presence.

Chief Dyer said, "We're going to draw a circle around a geographical area, make sure we have the security measures in place."

The right security, the right kind of crowd and the right kind of energy to continue bringing big business to an area that needs it.

Police are also asking for your help during these events. They want you to minimize your risk by not leaving things in your car and only park in the designated areas.