Football enthusiasts are lining up for the Liberty Mutual Music City Bowl, and it's going to be a packed house. Over 50,000 fans are expected to swarm Nissan Stadium this Tuesday to watch the Tennessee Volunteers go head-to-head with the Illinois Fighting Illini. In a notice issued by the Nashville.gov, attendees are advised to arrive early due to the high volume of traffic and limited parking. Gates are set to open at 2:30 p.m., with a 4:30 p.m. kickoff, but for those with a foresight to snag a parking pass, lots open a bit earlier at 12:30 p.m.
However, finding a spot could be as challenging as a fourth-quarter comeback, since all on-campus parking is already sold out. As for the area around the stadium, the Woodland Street Bridge will close to vehicles starting at 2 p.m., converting into a pedestrian path until the game concludes. So, if you're driving, consider looking into downtown parking alternatives before the day's out, according to the Nashville.gov.
As if the game itself wasn't enough entertainment, the marching bands from both universities are set to show their skills off the field at the Battle of the Bands. This musical face-off kicks off tonight at 6 p.m. right in the heart of Music City on Broadway between 1st and 3rd Avenues. Heads up, that means Broadway will be a no-go for cars between those avenues for the duration of the event.
For those making their way to the stadium, keep in mind the bag policy. The National Football League's stadium security measures are in full effect, which means no backpacks or duffel bags are allowed inside. As for the ladies, to avoid a turnover at the gate, anything beyond a clutch must be clear plastic unless we're talking medical necessities.
The Nashville Metropolitan Police Department is also ramping up its presence both downtown tonight and around Nissan Stadium on game day. The community's eyes and ears are part of the safety game plan, as reminded by the city's site, "If you see something suspicious or concerning, please say something to a nearby police officer or security guard," as stated by the Nashville.gov.
