Sports Complex traffic plans for Friday, April 6

[MASDjax]

On Friday, August 6, an estimated crowd of 30,000-35,000 people is expected in the Sports Complex area for the Jacksonville Jaguars Training Camp at the Practice Fields, the AFL Playoffs at the Veterans Memorial Area and the Jacksonville Suns game at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

In preparation for the traffic influx into the Sports Complex area, the following will be in effect on Friday, August 6:

Meters will be bagged on the South side of Bay Street from Liberty Street to Ocean Street beginning at noon. Bags will be removed as traffic subsides at the discretion of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Bay Street traffic will operate with 3 eastbound lanes toward the Sports Complex and 1 westbound lane toward Main Street from 5-8 p.m. From 8 p.m. â€" midnight, Bay Street traffic will operate with 2 eastbound lanes and 2 westbound lanes. At midnight, Bay Street lanes will operate in the standard traffic configuration (1 eastbound/ 1 westbound).

Police will direct motorists to designated parking areas and signboards will be displayed to assist their efforts.
 
The Hart Bridge will be open to vehicles and sports fans are encouraged to arrive early.

This effort will be coordinated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to ensure safe access for motorists and pedestrians. For more information and updates, visit www.MakeASceneDowntown.com

[tufsu1]

if the 3 lanes westbound on Bay St starts at 5pm, why cover the meters at noon (they are only 2 hour meters)?

[CityHallPub]

we're gonna be a packed house!!!! get ready for madness at the Best of Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath tailgate tribute!

[copperfiend]

So does this mean we have to pay to park at the Jags scrimmage?

[brainstormer]

Any event that draws more than 10,000 people gets city hall in such a frenzy.  There are enough roads in and out of our sports district that shutting down streets and decreasing parking is just not necessary.  If we had decent mass transit to the stadium, all of these silly problems would truly be solved. 

What I really hate is that instead of promoting Bay Street and our downtown restaurants and clubs, we shut down all the streets and street parking as if to say, "Visitors we don't want you to spend time downtown.  Get in and out as quick as you can!"  In most vibrant cities, I expect some traffic congestion when big events are happening.  I allow extra time, perhaps go early and grab dinner or just walk around taking in the atmosphere.  For some reason, our city panders to a crowd that thinks they can drive downtown at 7:50 for an 8:00pm show.  Instead of shutting things down, we should add to the hype and show visitors to our city a fantastic time.

[fieldafm]

So does this mean we have to pay to park at the Jags scrimmage?

The Jags sent an email out today regarding parking for the scrimmage.  It will be free, its just relegated to 3 1/2 lots on the South side of the stadium.  They sent a map, I think you can also download it at the same place you download your passes for the scrimmage.

[fieldafm]

Any event that draws more than 10,000 people gets city hall in such a frenzy.  There are enough roads in and out of our sports district that shutting down streets and decreasing parking is just not necessary.  If we had decent mass transit to the stadium, all of these silly problems would truly be solved. 

What I really hate is that instead of promoting Bay Street and our downtown restaurants and clubs, we shut down all the streets and street parking as if to say, "Visitors we don't want you to spend time downtown.  Get in and out as quick as you can!"  In most vibrant cities, I expect some traffic congestion when big events are happening.  I allow extra time, perhaps go early and grab dinner or just walk around taking in the atmosphere.  For some reason, our city panders to a crowd that thinks they can drive downtown at 7:50 for an 8:00pm show.  Instead of shutting things down, we should add to the hype and show visitors to our city a fantastic time.

Well, time and time again on every fan survey done.... the ticket-buying customers that attend the games see the traffic flow as a MAJOR plus that they don't want to change for the worse. 

That being said... DVI is doing an event for the first preseason game:

Teal Town Downtown!

Rally to support the Jacksonville Jaguars at the bars of The Core

WHEN:           
Friday, August 20, 2010
9 p.m. â€" close

WHAT:           
The Core, Jacksonville Jaguars and Team Teal have joined forces to fire up fans Downtown before the first preseason home game against the Miami Dolphins.  The eight participating bars in The Core will go teal as they welcome the Jaguars Road Tour Bus Downtown with special appearances by The Roar, Jaxson de Ville and the D-Line throughout The Core. Patrons wearing Jaguars jerseys or showing their teal colors will get the bonus of free cover for showing their spirit for the hometown team.  Visit three or more bars for a chance to win tickets to the Atlanta Falcons preseason game on Sept. 2.  Pssst…the inside scoop is to arrive early as the Little River Band will warm up the night starting at 8 p.m. at The Jacksonville Landing.

[MASDjax]

if the 3 lanes westbound on Bay St starts at 5pm, why cover the meters at noon (they are only 2 hour meters)?

We are told by JSO that the 3 lanes are eastbound and the meters are 4 hour meters.

So does this mean we have to pay to park at the Jags scrimmage?

The scrimmage is for season ticket holders only. If they bring their ticket, parking will be free. For those parking for other events in the Sports Complex area, parking will be $5-$10 depending on the lot. For more information about Sports Complex parking, call (904) 630-3600.

Hope this helps!

[copperfiend]

So does this mean we have to pay to park at the Jags scrimmage?

The Jags sent an email out today regarding parking for the scrimmage.  It will be free, its just relegated to 3 1/2 lots on the South side of the stadium.  They sent a map, I think you can also download it at the same place you download your passes for the scrimmage.

Cool. Thank you.