EAST LANSING, Mich. — It was a night full of celebration for MSU fans after the Spartans beat the Blue Devils, but it was also a busy night for the East Lansing Police Department as they tried to keep the rowdy crowd at bay.
East Lansing Police said there will be plenty of extra manpower working Saturday night to make sure celebrations don't get out of hand after the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
After MSU's win Sunday night, more than 600 people gathered at Cedar St, just north of campus. A couch was lit on fire and glass bottles were thrown into the air. Two people were arrested for disorderly conduct. The crowd broke up after an hour.
Police and fire also responded to other small fires throughout the city.
Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez with the East Lansing Police Department said these out-of-control celebrations are something they prepare for every year.
"If f the situation were to get completely out of control, there are officers on standby and tactics that we can employ to disperse the crowd quickly but of course, we don't that to happen. We want this to a celebratory event," Gonzalez said.
Lansing, Michigan State University and Michigan State Police will also be in town to help East Lansing police.
Police do want to remind people that lighting a fire, throwing objects or in-sighting a riot can lead to a civil infraction or up to a felony crime.
The game starts at 8:49 PM.
The East Lansing police are also looking for people that were involved in some of the celebrations Sunday night. The department posted photos on their Facebook page Monday morning asking for the community's help in identifying them writing that they wish to "discuss methods used to keep warm."
If you know the individuals, call the East Lansing Police Department.
