Gold Cup soccer matches to snarl rush hour traffic in Glendale

PHOENIX — If you were planning to drive in the West Valley on Thursday evening, you should expect extra traffic as fans head to the Gold Cup soccer matches.

Two quarterfinal games will be played at University of Phoenix Stadium, located near Glendale Avenue and the Loop 101, on Thursday. The stadium holds more than 63,000 people.

The first between Jamaica and Canada was scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., while the more anticipated Mexico-Honduras matchup was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sgt. Scott Waite with the Glendale Police Department said fans should do themselves a favor and arrive early, especially considering their tickets are good for both games of the doubleheader.

“The assumption is, because the 7:30 game is Mexico and Honduras, that there is going to be a large crowd attending that particular game, so what we’re telling fans is, ‘Come early. You have a ticket to the first game,'” he said.

Parking lots were expected to open about 2 p.m., while the stadium gates were to be unlocked 30 minutes later. Waite said attendees should plan for traffic and have a parking strategy in mind.

“Just kind of know what’s going on,” he said. “There’s some free spots, there’s some paid parking in some areas, so just really know what you’re looking for.”

University of Phoenix Stadium said a clear-bag policy was in effect, meaning fans can only carry in clear bags no larger than a gallon and a small purse.

Tickets for the games were still available as of Thursday morning.

KTAR News’ Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

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