Philly cops put hydraulic fluid on poles to prevent climbing

PHILADELPHIA -- Crisco has been replaced by hydraulic fluid this time around to prevent fans in Philadelphia from climbing street poles and signs around the city after Sunday's Super Bowl.

Philadelphia police were on the streets Sunday afternoon preparing for the crowds later in the evening by applying what they said was hydraulic fluid to street poles and signs. They used Crisco during the NFC Championship victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

The Philadelphia Eagles are playing the New England Patriots Sunday in Super Bowl LII. A massive celebration is expected throughout the city if the Eagles win the first Super Bowl in franchise history.

The crew tasked with applying a slippery substance to poles had labeled themselves the "Crisco Cops" for the NFC Championship. This time the crew that was working up and down Broad Street, where much of the postgame action is expected to unfold, some six hours before kickoff, went with "Pole Patrol."

The city of Philadelphia has plans in place in an attempt to control the crowds after the game, win or lose. Police commissioner Richard Ross would not specify how many officers would be on the streets.

"A lot," he told ESPN earlier this week. "More than there were two weeks ago, and there were a lot two weeks ago. It's a significant deployment package because you have to be ready for anything."

The commissioner said earlier in the week they would not be using Crisco this time around. He would not, however, reveal the substance of choice.

The Philadelphia police are using their past experiences with the Phillies' 2008 championship, papal visit in 2015, Democratic National Convention in 2016 and the NFL draft last year to prepare for Sunday's activities.