The show is about to start...

Its football weather again and in Greenville that means Pirates. 

It's also downtown weather again and in Greenville that means college students and out-of-town visitors at downtown restaurants and nightclubs into the early hours of the morning.  

For those people who visit Greenville's downtown district, here are a few tips on how to safely enjoy the businesses, atmosphere, and show that is the weekend in a college-oriented town:

• Please do not binge drink:  Moderation is the key to enjoying yourself and your friends
• Lock your cars and remove anything that appears valuable:  There are those people who will walk along testing for unlocked cars and things to steal.  Don't be a victim
• Bring a friend:  By using the buddy system you can watch out for each other and keep each other safe
• Obey the rules:  Please listen and obey any directions given to you by law enforcement.   If you are not old enough to legally buy alcohol, please don't attempt it.   Alcohol Law Enforcement and ABC officers will be concentrating on nightclubs and underage sales, and Greenville Police officers will be enforcing the laws, too.

The Police Department will again be employing its downtown deployment plan, which is intended to create and maintain a safe environment for visitors by establishing public behavior expectations.  That means if you break the rules, you can expect to get a ticket.  

Police officers will be patrolling the downtown area on foot and in cars trying to keep things safe for all of us.  The Greenville Police Department wants visitors to enjoy the people and atmosphere that is part of Greenville.  But when the nightclubs and restaurants close,  then it's time to go home.  Please do not loiter about on the sidewalks and in the parking lots after hours. 

If you are blocking the sidewalk or standing in the streets, police officers may approach you and ask you to move along, because things can get pretty crowded and people need to be able to move about on the sidewalks.  Hanging out in the parking lots can create problems, so please don't loiter.

There is a lot to see downtown, and people watching can be quite a show.   It's great to watch the show, but you don't want to be a star in that show, if you know what I mean...