The College Football Playoff is getting closer and anticipation is building.
- College Football National Championship game is Jan. 9
- Game being held at Raymond James Stadium
- College Football Championship Tampa
And not just for football fans.
The New Year's Eve semifinal games will determine who's coming to Tampa for the title game - set for Jan. 9 at Raymond James Stadium.
The winner of the Alabama/Washington game will face off against the winner of the Ohio State/Clemson game.
And, ahead of a crowd of 70,000 at Ray Jay and even more spectators and partygoers descending on the region, security experts are taking a closer look at the venue and other spots around the Bay area.
Officials said security has been in the planning stages for more than a year. And on Tuesday, multiple agencies, including Tampa police, FDLE and the Tampa Sports Authority conducted tactical response team training at Raymond James Stadium.
"We have a great security plan, it's very robust. We have left no stone unturned and I think the public here in Tampa Bay that's visiting is going to feel very safe and secure," said Asst. Chief Marc Hamlin.
In addition to keeping fans safe, the training also is to go over security measures to quickly and efficiently move people through the gates and into the stadium.
To keep the area secure, fans will be screened and bags checked. Security measures also are being put in place around town to keep fans safe at the various events, mainly downtown, leading up the game.
"The world has changed since we had the RNC and the last Superbowl, so we are using lessons learned from incidents that have occurred around the world and we're just getting better," Hamlin said.
The city and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission want to make sure Tampa leaves a lasting impression.