JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you live in Jacksonville or perhaps you’re visiting the River City to watch the Indiana Hoosiers go head to head with the Tennessee Volunteers, here are a few things to keep in mind before you head downtown to TIAA Bank Field.
Large crowds
Organizers expect a crowd of about 60,000 and about 35,000-40,000 of those will be from out of town.
More than 56,000 tickets have been sold.
If you’re going, you’re encouraged to arrive early.
Parking for the game
A Gator Bowl spokesperson on Tuesday said the parking lots will open on Jan. 2 at 2 p.m. Pre-purchase parking passes are sold out, and parking will be available on game day in select lots for $35.
“Be in your parking spots three hours early,” said Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief Andre Ayoub. “Take a picture of where you parked so you can locate your vehicle after the game.”
HELPFUL LINK: Gator Bowl parking map
If you don’t have a spot reserved, you can also park away from the stadium and take a JTA shuttle. A ride on the Game Day Express will cost $9, or $8 if purchased using the MyJTA App.
JTA Shuttles will run from the parking lots on King Street and at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. They will start running at 5 p.m. and continue running up to an hour after the game.
Heading into the stadium
The box office between Gates 2 and 3 will open at 4 p.m. on game day.
Gates 1, 4 and 7 will open at 4 p.m. All other stadium gates will open at 5 p.m.
Keep in mind that there is a clear bag policy for anything larger than a “clutch” or a wallet-size. No bags larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches will be allowed inside. Metal detectors will be in place.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
“Have a fun and safe time. Have a plan, and remember, don’t drink and drive," said Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers.
For more information, head to the Gator Bowl’s official website.