Ann Arbor parking restrictions, safety tips for Michigan football national championship game
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - City officials in Ann Arbor released parking restrictions and safety tips ahead of Monday's College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
While the game isn't happening in Ann Arbor, the city anticipates that many fans will be present to cheer on the Wolverines, so they have put a plan together to prevent overcrowding.
"I think the biggest impact people will see if they come downtown, they will probably see more officers, whether in the bars, outside on foot downtown, driving through neighborhoods where students are," said Ann Arbor interim Chief of Police Patrick Maguire.
With a new semester starting Wednesday, both locals and students will be scattered throughout the city.
Area businesses, like Fraser's Pub, are already expecting a high level of guests and have planned to have someone at the door monitoring traffic.
"People are going to be here early. We've gotten phone calls all week trying to reserve, which is first come, first serve. We don't do reservations," said Fraser's Pub owner Kristina Mucha.
Parking Restrictions
There will be on-street parking restrictions in effect from 6 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, until 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9 on the following streets:
- South University Avenue between East University Avenue and South Forest Avenue
- Church Street between South University Avenue and Willard Street
- East Liberty Street between Thompson Street and State Street
- Maynard Street between East Liberty and East William streets
Residents and visitors can stay up-to-date on road closures by visiting here.
Safety Tips
If anyone sees something suspicious, like an item that was left behind by someone, they are advised not to touch it and to report it to the police. In addition, they should also contact police if they see someone acting strange.
People should also know details about where they are at while watching the game. If an emergency happens, dispatchers can send someone to help faster if they have an exact location. Individuals should also know the emergency exits of where they are at in case of a fire.
City officials warn residents to dress for the weather as there is a risk of frostbite and hypothermia even if it is not snowing.
Lastly, fans celebrating should be sure to have a designated driver to give them a ride home if they have been drinking or use a ride service, like Uber or Lyft, to get home.