Authorities in Pittsburgh are preparing for increased crowds and possible ruckus Saturday as the Pitt Panthers take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in North Carolina in the ACC Championship.

Pittsburgh police officials said they’re expecting large crowds both in Oakland and on East Carson Street in the city’s South Side.

As with most days poised to see revelry, officials have instituted a “zero tolerance” policy for lawlessness.

“We appreciate that this is a big game for Pitt and that many more fans than usual will likely be coming out to support the team and hopefully celebrate a win,” said Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich. “However, there will be zero tolerance for property damage or violence of any kind and police will be on high alert for impaired drivers.”

University of Pittsburgh police also will be on patrol, along with Pennsylvania State Police mounted units. Pittsburgh’s mounted, motorcycle, bicycle and K-9 units will also be on patrol, Hissrich said.

Temporary light towers will be set up in particularly busy areas.

The game against Wake Forest starts at 8 p.m.

The busy nightlife strip of East Carson Street has often been a trouble spot for Public Safety officials, who had to implement a number of restrictions during the spring and summer after dangerous crowding and a spate of violence.

In early fall, authorities declared progress had been made and rolled back some of the restrictions.

Parking remains prohibited starting at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday between South 10th and South 18th streets.

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