Fiesta Bowl expected to cause extra busy commute in West Valley Thursday evening

PHOENIX — Motorists in the West Valley should expect heavy traffic during the evening commute on Thursday due to the Fiesta Bowl.

The Mississippi Rebels and Miami Hurricanes will meet in the annual college football postseason game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. This year, the game is serving as a semifinal matchup in the College Football Playoff. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Due to that, the Arizona Department of Transportation is warning motorists to expect extra traffic and possible delays on freeways during the afternoon and evening hours.

*FIESTA BOWL TRAFFIC*

Fans headed to State Farm Stadium in Glendale for the the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 8, should make a game plan to arrive well before the 5:30 p.m. kickoff: https://t.co/ctbHRb22Ds pic.twitter.com/opB22QfQKC

— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 7, 2026

Where is traffic expected to be heaviest for the Fiesta Bowl?

ADOT said traffic is expected to be the worst on westbound Interstate 10, along with the north- and southbound lanes of the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway in Glendale.

The traffic authority advises anyone heading to the game to arrive early and to be prepared for inclement weather and wet roads.

Additionally, ADOT had the following advice for fans going to the game:

• Fans from the East Valley should use the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway to bypass I-10 in downtown Phoenix.
• Fans in the north Valley or the West Valley should use Loop 101 to reach the stadium.

Parking lots at State Farm Stadium will open at 11 a.m.

Heavy traffic should also be expected after the game, which should end around 9 p.m.

Get the latest KTAR News 92.3 FM traffic alerts sent straight to your phone by texting “TRAFFIC” to 620620.  

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