INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The orange carpet is out, and basketball fans from across the country are heading to Indianapolis for a historic first: Saturday night’s WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The city government’s public safety leaders says they’re preparing for packed streets, some closed streets, and high energy.

Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a Monday afternoon news conference, “Indianapolis is once again stepping into the global spotlight but this is nothing new for our city. We are more familiar with the world’s attention by now than at any other time in our city’s history.”

As News 8 has previously reported, about 70,000 fans are expected for the game and events ahead of it.

The mayor said, “I would encourage everyone to come downtown, if they want to, just don’t bring a gun with you, that’s one way to be peaceful. We are going to be taking steps over the course of the rest of the summer to make sure the summer weekends are as peaceful as we can make them.”

Downtown Indianapolis has been the scene of gun violence over the past two weeks that led to fatalities.

The All-Star Game as well as some events during the weekend will require tickets. For events at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, most of the security will look familiar to basketball fans who’ve visited the arena.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will use drones to monitor crowds, watch traffic flow, and spot emergencies faster.

Police Chief Chris Bailey said at the news conference, “We have shifted our staffing to ensure all of our neighborhoods, including the Mile Square district, will be fully covered. We are working closely with state, local and federal partners to support our security efforts for the thousands of fans, players, and visitors expected to take part in all the all-star activities.”

Getting downtown might take a little extra time.

Northbound I-65 from I-465 on the southeast side to the downtown South Split will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Monday.

Street closures will run on Georgia Street’s East and Center blocks from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. from Wednesday-Sunday.

Meridian street from Monument Circle to North Street will close from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Delaware street next to Gainbridge Fieldhouse will close from 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Bailey said, “Those headed downtown to enjoy the festivities will have to pack their patience. You should give yourselves extra time because there will be most likely traffic delays. There is a lot of construction on our highways and roads. Those will contribute to the delays you may find yourself in.”

The city is also deploying strategic traffic plans around venues to make sure emergency vehicles can get where they need to go even during the busiest times.

This story was created from a script, from News 8’s Reyna Revelle, aired on WISH-TV.

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Road closings for WNBA All-Star Game weekend

Georgia Street east block and center block (west block already closed for construction) from 8 p.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Sunday: Eastbound Georgia closed between Illinois Street-Meridian Street and Meridian-Pennsylvania streets. Southbound McCrae closed between Georgia and Jackson streets. Northbound Sciota closed between Louisiana and Georgia streets.

Monument Circle: Northeast quadrant is already closed for the summer. South half will be closed from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 6 p.m. Sunday. The northeast quadrant will be closed from 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Delaware Street: Closed between South Street and Maryland Street from 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Between American Legion Mall and Monument Circle: Temporary road closures from 7 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Already closed due to construction: Illinois Street from South Street to Georgia Street northbound, Georgia Street westbound from Illinois Street to Capitol Avenue. Georgia Street eastbound from Capitol Avenue to Illinois Street.

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