Agencies from all over the Valley descended on Scottsdale, to crack down on drunk driving, as the Phoenix Open is in full swing. Police, fire crews, Uber and taxis will be ready all weekend, to make sure the roads stay safe.
Thursday night the Bird’s Nest was packed with about 7,000 people for a sold out show. Several people were kicked out of the event for public intoxication.
The Scottsdale DUI Enforcement had some fun, while teaching a very important lesson. They were doing breathalyzer tests on people as they walked out of the event. Some people thought only a few drinks could not push them over the .08 limit, but the quickly learned otherwise.
“We are trying to educate you and show you that we are not here to mess with you when we pull you over,” said Scottsdale PD DUI officer Wiley Adams. “This is where you would be if you were drinking and driving right now."
Police were out pushing their message, telling people to find a sober ride home. And they had DUI patrols scattered on the barriers of the event and beyond.
Ride-sharing company Uber made a big appearance at the event this year. They actually set up a party lounge with a DJ and refreshments, where people could wait for their rides.
“We want to make sure people come here and they have a great time, and they are not putting others at risk when they go home,” said Uber spokeswoman Taylor Patterson.
Several people in line waiting for their rides said they would never think about getting behind the wheel.
“I love our drinking laws because it keeps all the danger off the roads,” said rider Barb Martinez. “People just need to get home safe and have a good time.”
People came pouring into the concert venue after a long day out on the course, but the Scottsdale Fire Department was watching and waiting for any problems.
“They tend to come this way, and they have already been drinking over there so they are a little intoxicated by the time they get here,” said Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio.
Phoenix Open officials are expecting an eventful weekend, with more than 190,000 people on Saturday. They will have several agencies on hand, patrolling for DUI’s and encouraging people not to get behind the wheel if they have been drinking.
