HUNTINGTON BEACH : Stepped-Up Patrols for Beach Bash

Police will be tripling beach patrols Sunday as an estimated 50,000 fans are expected to hit the sand for the “Bash at the Beach” wrestling title between heavyweight champion wrestler Hulk Hogan and the 450-pound Vader.

The free World Championship Wrestling event will start at 3 p.m. on the beach across from the Waterfront Hilton. A wrestling ring will be set up on the sand.

“It’s like the carnival coming to town--it’s an entertainment event,” Officer Mike Kelly said, adding that police patrol is always stepped up for city special events or sporting events.

Kelly said an extra 16 officers and two supervisors will be added to the work force for the wrestling event, the first such time such an event has been at the beach. The police preparations are similar to those made more than a week ago to handle July Fourth disturbances.

“It’s the standard stuff for special events, especially one that draws a considerable crowd. We detail officers to handle the crowd, or whatever additional police services are needed,” he said.

On a typical Sunday, police staff nine beach detail officers and the patrol force varies between 15 and 20 units on the street, Kelly said.

Kelly said that World Championship Wrestling, which is presenting the event, will also provide security guards.

“Security will be excellent and we’re working very close with Huntington Beach Police Department,” said Alan Sharp, event spokesman.

Police said they are expecting 15,000 to 20,000 spectators.

“If the crowd exceeds, we’ll bring in additional people,” Kelly said, adding that police don’t expect any problems.

In addition to the wrestling, the cast of the syndicated “Baywatch” TV show will be at the event to tape an episode.