Public safety officials regroup after overwhelming crowds downtown Friday

Public safety has been a high priority with thousands of law enforcement and security officers saturated in downtown Indianapolis in the days leading up to the Super Bowl.

Those officers got a real test Friday night as thousands of people jam-packed areas along Georgia Street between Capitol and Pennsylvania Street, and along Meridian Street from Georgia to Monument Circle.

Those areas were so crowded that people could not move and became entangled in gridlock for long periods of time.  FOX 59 crews experienced it firsthand, observing groups of people growing impatient and pushing others in a stationary crowd.

Music group LMFAO was performing on stage in that area at the time, which was a big draw.

The hood and roof of a police car near the concert stage was badly damaged due to the large crowds surrounding it.

Once police realized the incredible volume of people packing those areas, officers began closing off streets to prevent others from coming in.

The Indianapolis Department of Public Safety said there were a total of 22 arrests from 1 a.m. Friday night to 7 a.m. Saturday morning, mainly public intoxication arrests. The department also reported there were 13 people injured in that time frame.

Officials with the Indianapolis Department of Public Safety are busy preparing for another busy night Saturday and will be ready to close off streets again as the crowds swell.  The department warns concert attendees to be mindful when bringing children in the large crowds.

Mayor Greg Ballard will monitor the situation and will talk to FOX 59 live tonight.  FOX 59 has special coverage of the Super Celebration tonight from 6 p.m. to midnight.