Las Vegas airport officials prepare for crowds with Super Bowl LVIII over 1 week away
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Super Bowl LVIII is just over one week away, and it appears San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs fans started arriving in Las Vegas on Friday.
Reid International Airport officials told 8 News Now they have been preparing for months, as they expect a major increase in both commercial and private flights.
“We just want to represent those 49ers, man,” Dan Robertson said as he arrived at Reid International Airport.
People at Reid International Airport’s Terminal One baggage claim said they can’t wait to cheer on their team in the big game.
“There were a lot of Kansas City people on the flight. We came from Wichita,” Scott Arpuncle said. “It was kinda cool because they were pretty excited.”
Many also expressed their need to get a jump on things and beat the travel crowds.
“Just trying to beat some of the melee of the crowd,” Robertson said. “As well as the delays.
Reid International Airport has already seen a surge, and the crowds increase as Las Vegas counts down to the big game on Feb. 11.
“We’re telling people that are coming in, just be patient,” Reid International Spokesperson Heidi Hayes said. “We’re hoping to get everyone to where they want to go.”
Hayes told 8 News Now her team has been preparing for an influx of commercial flights. Southern Nevada will also be packed with private planes, so a slot reservation program is in place to make sure everything runs smoothly.
“The FAA and the NFL, they put into place what’s called a slot program,” Hayes explained. “Basically, it’s a reservation program for the private jets coming in because they want to meter that traffic.”
Hayes added that Formula One in November was a good indicator of the private aircraft expected for Super Bowl week.
No matter how they arrive, people who spoke with 8 News Now Friday said they can’t wait to see what’s in store as they experience everything the entertainment capital of the world has to offer.
“We’re gonna show up in big attendance this year,” Robertson said.
“I think this trumps everything,” Arpuncle added. “It’s a big deal.”
For Las Vegans heading to the big game, officials recommend taking a ride share or parking in garages on the Strip, then taking the Hacienda Avenue footbridge to Allegiant Stadium.
The best option to get to Super Bowl Experience at Mandalay Bay is a ride-share service, taxi, or parking at a Las Vegas Strip hotel is an option.
For opening night at Allegiant Stadium on Monday, there are special event parking rates at Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.
For more information on Super Bowl LVIII parking and transportation information, click HERE.
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