Soccer game to cause football-like traffic in Phoenix suburb on Sunday
Jun 3, 2016, 2:57 PM | Updated: Jun 5, 2016, 10:36 am
(AP Photos)
(AP Photos)
PHOENIX — It’s June. Everyone knows there are no Arizona Cardinals football games for at least a few months.
But the crowd at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale on Sunday will resemble that of an NFL game.
The facility is preparing for thousands of soccer fans to pour through the gates as Mexico and Uruguay square off at 5 p.m. in the first of three Copa America matches being held at in the Phoenix suburb.
MEX 🇲🇽 vs URU 🇺🇾
🎟 Box Office: 10am
🚗 Parking: 12pm
⚽️ Fan Plaza: 12:30pm
🚪 Gates: 2:30pm
⏰ Kick: 5pmFan Guide: https://t.co/kAbcLd6ss9
— UOPX Stadium (@UOPXStadium) June 3, 2016
While no road closures have been announced, the roads will be heavy with traffic as fans head to the stadium near Bethany Home Road and the Loop 101 in the West Valley.
Parking lots will also be full. The stadium is charging $20 per spot and all lots will open at noon.
Tailgating will be permitted in the parking lot, but there are some limits in place.
Fans going to the match won’t only face heavy traffic but some security restrictions, including those placed on purses.
The tournament is only permitting clutches to be carried into the stadium. Fans can carry their items in a clear plastic bag that is no larger than the average Ziploc plastic freezer bag.
Headed to the #Copa100 games this weekend? Don't forget the clear bag policy! pic.twitter.com/JrgKgKmnu3
— Copa América 2016 (@CA2016) June 1, 2016
Scott Norton with the stadium said prohibited items will not be kept at the gate and should be left in the car or at home.
University of Phoenix Stadium will host another game on Wednesday, when Ecuador faces Peru. The tournament’s third-place game will be played in Glendale on June 25.
