Downtown OKC Preparation: Law enforcement getting ready for multiple large events

The Oklahoma City Police Department is preparing for Saturday's Remembrance Ceremony, which will honor those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever.

Before the ceremony can begin, police are working to ensure everyone attending can remain safe.

Remembrance Ceremony

Due to weather concerns, the Remembrance Ceremony has been moved indoors to First Church, located at the corner of Northwest 5th Street and Robinson Avenue.

OCPD Cpt. Audrea George, who leads the department's Special Events Unit, said local and federal partners have been working on plans for months to prepare for sudden changes caused by the likelihood of inclement weather.

"We take preparation very seriously," George said. "It'll be hard to not see someone from law enforcement."

George said officers will be in full force, dressed in both uniform and plain clothes, as well as doing sweeps and overwatch.

Even with the ceremony moved inside First Church, George said the department will ensure safety throughout the area with K-9 and bomb technicians sweeping the grounds.

"This is sacred ground for us because a lot of our firefighters and officers responded that day," George said. "We want to honor everyone who took part."

Memorial Marathon Weekend

Captain George said planning for 2025's Memorial Marathon weekend began immediately after last year's races ended.

George said one of the things law enforcement talked about was what went well and how safety could be improved for the future.

"It's highly important to our city and our department that this event is safe for everyone involved," George said..

George said officers will be in sight almost everywhere you look along the course, and advises everyone to be patient and mindful.

"It's essential that you take extra time to look over routes so you know where you can and cannot go," George said. "Please don't bring large bags."

Thunder Playoffs and Festival of the Arts

The Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 playoff schedule starts in Oklahoma City on April 20, where thousands will pack the Paycom Center.

The longstanding tradition of the city's Festival of the Arts will also draw in thousands of people from April 24 to April 27 in Bicentennial Park.

"This is a very busy time of year for us," George said. "Please be mindful that everyone out here is doing a job to keep you safe."

Many roads will be closed around Oklahoma City, and if you do plan on attending one of these events, you're asked to leave large bags at home.