MARTA Police Prepare for Super Bowl LIII During Region's Largest Emergency Preparedness Exercise

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Police Department hosted the region’s largest emergency preparedness exercise on Saturday, Oct. 27.  The full-scale exercise took place at MARTA’s Dome Station, which services Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena.  The exercise simulated a crisis scenario complete with explosions, smoke, and actors to help create a realistic setting for first responders.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Atlanta Police Department (APD) took part in the exercise, as well as, several other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

“Our planning process for the Super Bowl started several years ago,” said MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham. “We have held numerous table-top exercises, but this full-scale exercise showcased our capabilities and assisted us in identifying any gaps.” 

MARTA officials contacted local businesses and residents about the planned exercise to minimize confusion and alarm.  People within a five-mile radius of the MARTA Dome Station were able to hear loud noises and saw heavy police activity as part of this year’s exercise. 

“MARTA is one of the safest transit systems in the country because of training exercises such as this one,” said MARTA General Manager & CEO Jeffrey Parker. “We appreciated the patience of our customers as we conducted this valuable exercise in preparation for the world’s largest sporting event.”

MARTA Police Major, Aston T. Greene, Commander of the Emergency Preparedness Unit met with local media and conducted interviews about the exercise as part of MARTA’s public awareness campaign.

MARTA will hold a functional exercise in December as preparations for Super Bowl LIII are finalized.  Super Bowl LIII will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, February 3, 2019.