Ramped-up security for Chicago Marathon, Bears game, Cubs-Nationals series

CHICAGO (Fox 32 News) - Chicago is in the midst of hosting several large sporting events, and city officials say that they have done everything possible to keep participants safe.

The Chicago Marathon is Sunday, the Bears host the Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday night, and the Cubs-Nationals series heads to Wrigley Field on Monday as well.

"We're used to a lot of big events here in the City of Chicago," said Rich Guidice of the Office of Emergency Management.

Security plans include a thousand officers in place for the marathon as well as what Chicago police call "saturation teams" and special operations units at both Wrigley Field and Soldier Field. The city plans to use strategically placed salt trucks instead of barricades to secure the perimeter around the ballpark.

"We took a lot of lessons learned from last year's World Series and we're going to apply them to this series and the playoffs," Guidice said.

Many bars are also tightening security and adding additional security staff. One bar owner said that city personnel have been scrutinizing security in Wrigleyville.

Sports fans are trying not to worry.

"It is what it is," said Nate Eisenberg. "I'm going to live the life the way I want. I'm not going to let that prevent me from doing what makes me happy."