Heavy traffic expected for Jaguars preseason game, Jason Aldean concert

Traffic tips to know if you're heading downtown Thursday night

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you're planning to travel to downtown Jacksonville Thursday night, expect a surge in traffic due to two major events. 

Not only will the Jacksonville Jaguars be playing their preseason home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field, the Jason Aldean concert will also be going on at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Area. 

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The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. and doors open an hour prior. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m., and gates open at 6 p.m.

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and officials on Tuesday announced traffic plans for each event.

Both football and music fans are encouraged to plan ahead, be patient and arrive early. You're also asked to display your parking pass prior to heading downtown.

Traffic information for Jason Alden concert 

If you are attending the Jason Aldean concert at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, enter the Sports Complex from the west side and park west of the Baseball Grounds:

  • If you are coming from the Hart Bridge, stay toward downtown and use the Duval Street exit.
  • If you are coming from the Mathews Bridge, use the A. Philip Randolph exit.
  • If you are coming from south of Jacksonville, use Interstate 95 North and take the Main Street Bridge exit to Bay Street.
  • If you are coming from north of Jacksonville, take I-95 South and use the Union Street exit toward downtown/Sports Complex.
  • If you are coming from the west/I-10 East, take the I-95 North exit to Forsyth Street.

Traffic information for Jaguars preseason game

If you are attending the Jaguars preseason game at EverBank Field, enter from the east side and park east of the Baseball Grounds:

  • If you are coming from the Hart Bridge, use the Sports Complex exit.
  • If you are coming from the Mathews Bridge, use the EverBank Field exit.
  • If you are coming from downtown/Acosta Bridge/Main Street Bridge/I-95 North, use Bay Street to get to the east side of the Sports Complex (Georgia Street to the stadium).
  • If you are coming from I-95 South, use the Acosta Bridge or Main Street Bridge exits and follow Bay Street to get to the east side of the Sports Complex (Georgia Street to the stadium).

VIEW: EverBank Field parking map | EverBank Field inbound traffic patternEverBank Field outbound traffic pattern

Quick traffic tips for game/concert

  • Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena: Arrive from the west via the Main Street Bridge, Acosta Bridge , or Union Street exit
  • EverBank Field: Enter from the east via the Hart Bridge, Mathews Bridge or MLK for easy access to general parking.

Notable information for game/concert parking

  • Lot Z will be SMG pass holders to accommodate concertgoers.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars pass holders will be mailed new passes for Lot X.

Traffic issues and updates

  • Passengers are encouraged to follow JSO's live traffic tweets at www.twitter.com/JSOPIO. You do not need a Twitter account to access these live updates.

Gameday tips for Thursday

  • The stadium gates open at 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office focus will shift to pedestrian traffic; vehicle traffic to the stadium should expect delays.
  • Please have parking passes visible so officers can assist you in getting to your designated parking lot.
  • Fans should be familiar with their parking location before game day.
  • Pregame taxi drop-off is on Georgia Street.
  • Taxi pick-up is located at the north end of the stadium, near Gate 3.
  • All vehicles for hire using the taxi pick-up area must display a current city issued medallion. For more information please visit http://www.coj.net/departments/finance/fleet-management/motor-vehicle-inspections.
  • Remember to bring cash to pay for parking in private lots.
  • Take a picture of where you park and landmarks near where you park to make it easier to locate your spot at night post game. Make sure you can contact the lot owner in case there are any issues.
  • Please refer to the variable message boards for specific instructions on parking, not your navigation systems.
  • Only purchase a game ticket from a reputable seller. Any counterfeit ticket holders will be turned away at the gate.

Gameday rules for EverBank Field

Bag policy:

  • Fans are permitted to carry a hand-sized clutch bag, 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, or clear bag no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches.

Prohibited items:

  • No cameras with lenses longer than 6 inches
  • No coolers or containers, including cans, cups and bottles
  • No strollers or umbrellas
  • No pets (except service animals)
  • No food or beverage from outside the stadium
  • No seat cushions
  • No video or audio recorders
  • No whistles, noise makers, air horns or laser pointers
  • No poles or sticks
  • No knives, guns or any type of weapons or explosives
  • No smoking (except in designated areas)
  • No promotional items or any other items deemed unacceptable by stadium management.
  • No re-entry

You cannot check items at the gates or in the stadium. Fans will be asked to either take prohibited items back to their car or dispose of prohibited items at the entrance of the stadium. EverBank Field and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office are not responsible for items left behind, lost, stolen or damaged. Possession of prohibited items is grounds for ejection from the stadium. Game tickets will be forfeited. No re-entry will be allowed.

Visit http://www.jaguars.com/everbank-field/ for more information.