Fans attending Sunday's Super Bowl in Arizona will face tight restrictions on what they can take into the stadium as a huge security operation swings into action to protect the biggest annual US sports event.

US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson met top local law enforcement officials in Phoenix on Wednesday (January 28) and will visit the University of Phoenix stadium in nearby Glendale, where the Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots for the National Football League championship.

Law enforcement from the federal level to the local level are coordinating to provide scanning and surveillance for the game on Sunday (February 1), Johnson told reporters. They will also conduct screening of cargo and people at the stadium.

Ticket-holders are being told to get there early for a rigorous security screening procedure that will involve metal detectors and a pat-down search.

Deadly shootings in Paris and the recent arrest of suspects in Belgium, Greece and Germany have heightened fears of more attacks around the world, and social media accounts linked to Middle East militant groups have carried a number of threats to attack high-profile US events.

Federal security officials have said US agencies are unaware of any specific or credible terrorist threat against the Super Bowl, Johnson echoed that on Wednesday.

Debora Black, chief of the Glendale Police Department, said law enforcement will also be on the lookout for rogue drones.

They also announced restrictions on the types of items spectators can bring to the game.

Only clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags measuring 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches, or 1-gallon freezer bags, will be permitted, as well as small clutch bags "approximately the size of a hand," he said.

Coolers, backpacks, computer and camera bags, and all other kinds of luggage are prohibited, as are bottles and beverages including alcohol, camcorders, food, fireworks, Frisbees and umbrellas, according to an NFL list.

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