Iowa State's football game will likely cause traffic jams Saturday. Here's how to avoid them.
Traffic on Cyclone gamedays can be challenging in the best of circumstances, and street construction in Ames this fall is adding to motorists’ headaches.
The Iowa State Cyclones will host Oklahoma State at 3 p.m. Saturday inside Jack Trice Stadium, ushering in another wave of excited football fans.
“We have lots of people coming to the same general geographic area and that obviously slows things down,” Ames Police Chief Geoff Huff told the Ames Tribune.
He recommended avoiding Duff Avenue because 16th Street, which connects to University Avenue, is undergoing repairs.
Huff suggested entering the city through other avenues.
“The 13th Street exit off of Interstate 35 is a good way to come into Ames from the north,” he said. “Or you can get off of Highway 30 on Dakota. A lot depends on what parking lot you’re trying to get to.”
More: Jack Trice Stadium only accepts digital tickets. What you need to know on game day.
What is causing the traffic jam?
The pay-to-park lots cause traffic to slow because each car has to go through a process to get in.
Iowa State manages all parking lots around Jack Trice Stadium. Traffic is directed by Iowa State Police and the Iowa State Patrol.
“So if you park illegally on game day, you’ll probably get a ticket. There's plenty of legal parking around the stadium and the other areas around the stadium,” he said. “So we just asked you to look for legal parking spots.”
Ames Police officers are busier after the game ends when people disperse around the community, Huff said. He also mentioned that parking regulations are observed on gamedays like they are every day.
There’s an increased penalty for illegal parking in the residential neighborhoods west of the stadium. Those are $40 tickets instead of $20.
“We’re not just trying to be mean,” Huff said. “If people park all over the place, it can sometimes make it difficult for people in the neighborhood to get around. Depending on the street, it can make it difficult to get emergency vehicles through as well. So we want people to follow the parking regulations.”
Severe weather could impact travel
Huff said a chance of severe weather Saturday might also play a role in general operations. A storm is predicted to hit the area around kickoff.
“We’ll have to keep an eye on the forecast Saturday and see what ends up developing. You want to make sure you’re prepared for the possibility that there’s lightning during the game,” he said.
More: Severe weather expected this weekend: Follow these tips for tailgating, outdoor activities
In the event of lightning, Jack Trice Stadium will be evacuated. The university has a plan for making announcements to the crowd, getting people out of the stadium and offering safe places to go, Huff said.
When you’re leaving the game, consider going west on Mortenson Road to get to Highway 30.
“You’ll probably get out quicker that way,” Huff said.
Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames gameday traffic: Avoid Duffy Avenue, monitor severe weather
