ADOT’s Final Four advice: Start planning your freeway travel now
Allow extra time and consider alternate routes during busy four days
PHOENIX – With the NCAA’s Final Four weekend closer to arriving in the Phoenix area, drivers should follow three pointers from the Arizona Department of Transportation to help keep freeway traffic moving before and during events:
- Allow extra travel time
- Get to your event early
- Consider alternate routes
When University of Phoenix Stadium plays host to the two semifinal games on Saturday, April 1, and the national championship game at 6 p.m. Monday, April 3, drivers should be prepared for heavier traffic on westbound Interstate 10 and along Loop 101 approaching the stadium.
West Valley residents can help limit heavier westbound I-10 traffic on the afternoon of Monday, April 3, by flexing work hours to leave for home earlier or later than anticipated game traffic. Carpooling, telecommuting or taking Valley Metro (valleymetro.org) are other ways to help reduce traffic on I-10 west from downtown Phoenix.
Ticketholders should consider getting to University of Phoenix Stadium or nearby venues early on Monday, April 3. Parking lots open at 1 p.m., and tailgate events for ticketholders begin at 2 p.m.
For both ticketholders and many West Valley residents, westbound Loop 101 from Interstate 17 or all the way from the East Valley provides an alternate route to westbound I-10.
ADOT’s freeway message boards will provide information on traffic conditions and getting to stadium parking. The overhead message boards also will help guide motorists to the appropriate exits for Final Four events beginning Friday, March 31, in downtown Phoenix.
When Final Four events are underway in downtown Phoenix through Monday, April 3, drivers should use Seventh Avenue to or from either direction of Interstate 10 or take northbound Seventh Avenue from I-17 to reach venues from the south. For information on Final Four-related street closures in downtown Phoenix, visit Phoenix.gov/FinalFour.
The westbound I-10 HOV-lane off-ramp at Third Street will be closed on the following dates and times:
- Friday, March 31, from 3:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Saturday, April 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday, April 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The local Final Four organizing committee’s website, PhoenixFinalFour.com, provides comprehensive event information, including schedules and information on a clear bag policy in effect for all events.
ADOT’s Twitter feed (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook account (facebook.com/AZDOT) are excellent sources for traffic information and interaction. Highway conditions across the state are available via the ADOT Traveler Information site at az511.gov or by calling 511.
For real-time information on traffic conditions in Glendale, visit @GlendaleAZPD on Twitter.
