Patriots Fans Celebrate Raucously, But Peacefully

New England Patriots fans in Boston and across New England celebrated another Super Bowl title raucously, but without the destruction and mayhem that has often followed championship victories by local sports teams.

Crowds of mostly college-aged fans gathered in various areas around Boston on Sunday night after the Patriots' 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, and although they screamed and chanted, they remained orderly.

Most fans were watched carefully by police.

Boston police said on their official Twitter account that there were no arrests, adding: "Way to make your team & city proud."

Celebrations at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst were also largely restrained. The campus has had problems with violence at prior sports celebrations.

Several thousand students poured out of dorms in the Southwest residential area, but campus police arrested just one person for disorderly conduct. 

University of New Hampshire officials and police said up to 3,000 people swarmed downtown Durham without problems after the Patriots won the Super Bowl.

Foster's Daily Democrat reports Police Deputy Chief Rene Kelly called Sunday night's event an excited celebration. Students ran to high-five police and thank them for their service.

Authorities said that as of 11 p.m., there had been no arrests.

Both campuses had previously been the scene of violent celebrations during other championships by Boston teams.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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