‘Security bubble’ planned at Cellular

? Officials will establish a “security bubble” around U.S. Cellular Field for the World Series this weekend, dispatch thousands of police officers, search vehicles and crack down on everything from ticket scalping to illegal parking businesses.

“While there is no credible indication that the World Series is a target for a terrorist act, we must plan accordingly,” Chicago Police Superintendent Philip Cline said Thursday. “That’s why we have brought in our federal partners from the FBI, ATF, Secret Service and U.S. Marshals to assist us.”

The multimillion dollar effort includes a no-fly zone over U.S. Cellular Field before, during and after Saturday and Sunday’s games. It also calls for authorities to monitor security cameras already in the community and cameras in mobile police vehicles stationed near the park.

Fans driving to U.S. Cellular Field must show police their tickets to get into the “bubble,” which extends about a block on every side of the stadium, said Neil Sullivan, deputy director for Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

“If you are on foot, you will be checked,” Sullivan said. “If you are a fan and you have a ticket, you need your ticket with you.”

City and team officials want to avoid a repeat of embarrassing security moments, both on and off the field, in recent Chicago sports history.

Thousands of people were arrested during rioting that followed the Chicago Bulls’ six straight NBA championships. In 1992, after the team’s second title, more than 340 businesses were looted, several fires were started and cabs were overturned in violence that caused nearly $10 million in damages.