by Chris RobertsSan Francisco Giants fans eager to witness a potential World Series-clinching win can watch Game 6 on a big screen in Civic Center Plaza on Tuesday, Mayor Ed Lee announced Monday.
The San Francisco police department will also be watching.
Similar to earlier viewing parties for big sporting events, Giants fans can gather in front of City Hall to watch the team try to clinch their third championship in five years. Tonight's first pitch from Kansas City is at 5:07 p.m. Police are hoping good behavior persists before and after the game.
So far, this year's celebrations have been mostly peaceful, with only a few arrests after each game, according to police, who are making efforts to ensure any 2014 celebrations stay that way.
To make sure any after-game activities do not take an ill turn - and end up like the vandalism and torching of a $700,000 Muni bus that had just had a $300,000 overhaul two years ago - police will be deploying extra officers to potential hotspots like Civic Center, the Mission district and areas in South of Market including near AT&T Park, Officer Gordon Shyy said Monday.
"The fans have for the most part been well-behaved, with no significant problems," Shyy said. "We hope it stays that way."
The Civic Center gathering is an alcohol-free event, and police will cite violators during and after the game.
It has become something of a local tradition to celebrate a notable local professional sports victory by gathering at major intersections throughout The City.
Following the Giants' World Series win in 2012, 70 fires were set on Mission Street, over 30 people were arrested, and the aforementioned bus's front window was smashed with a metal police barrier before it was set on fire.
Officers in riot gear eventually had to disperse the crowds.
At least 12 people were charged with crimes following the 2012 win. The man photographed smashing the Muni bus window, Gregory Tyler Graniss, was convicted of rioting, according to the District Attorney Office.