Orchard Park, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday traffic information for the George Strait and Chris Stapleton concert this Saturday at Highmark Stadium. Parker McCollum will serve as the opening act, and hit the stage at 5:45 p.m.
One thing Lt. Jeremy Lehning is warning concertgoers of ahead of Saturday's festivities is going to be the heavy presence of stadium construction.
"Please keep in mind the fact that this is going to be our first event of the year, such events don't typically go off without a hiccup or two," said Lehning in an interview with WBEN. "Just remember: Plan ahead, know where you're going to park, and just be prepared for for traffic. Everyone will typically show up right around the same time."
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Parking lots immediately surrounding Highmark Stadium and owned by the Buffalo Bills are going to open at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, while gates into the stadium are set to open at 4:15 p.m.
Like Bills games at Highmark Stadium every football season, Lehning recommends people to plan well-ahead of the concert, and arrive to Orchard Park early.
"Make sure that you anticipate traffic, know which gate you're going to enter at, and make sure that that coincides with the lot that you park in. That way, you're going to have a seamless approach to the stadium," Lehning said. "And also, a big one, make sure you go to the Buffalo Bills' website and familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited items so you don't get hung up at the gate."
Abbott Road in front of Highmark Stadium will close to Northbound and Southbound traffic at 1:15 p.m., while traffic patterns will be the exact same as they are during a Bills game day.
There is one traffic pattern that was implemented last year that's going to continue through this concert and also into the football season.
"Big Tree Road, Route 20A, West of Abbott Road all the way to Southwestern post-event, that will be two lanes Westbound. That's something that we implemented last year and it was extremely effective. The Bills liked it, we liked it, and we're going to continue doing that throughout the course of the season as well," Lehning noted.
When it comes to tailgating prior to the concert, Lehning does not anticipate anything too much out of the ordinary.
"It's going to be your typical concert setting. George Strait fans are huge, hardcore country fans. We anticipate a very, very good showing," Lehning said. "The weather, for the most part, looks like it's going to cooperate, right about 60 degrees at concert time, and maybe a few passing showers. Fingers crossed, we don't get anything in the Orchard Park area. We'll see what happens."
As for those not heading to the concert Saturday night, Lehning advises motorists to try and stay away from the main arterial routes going into the stadium.
"That's where you're going to hit most of your congestion," he said. "I would definitely plan on using secondary routes away from the stadium and around the stadium as much as humanly possible. You're going to run into major traffic congestion closer to the concert times on Abbot Road, Southwestern and Route 20A."
Here's the complete rundown of traffic patterns to take note of come Saturday:
ABBOTT ROAD:
- Abbott Road in front of the stadium closes to North and Southbound traffic at 1:15 p.m.
- This section of Abbott Road will remain closed until after the concert.
ROUTE 20A (BIG TREE ROAD):
- Prior to the conclusion of the concert (approximately 10:45 p.m.), Route 20A from Fieldhouse Drive to Rte. 219 will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic headed Eastbound away from the stadium
- Prior to the conclusion of the concert (approximately 10:45 p.m.), Route 20A from Abbott Road to Southwestern Boulevard will convert to two-lane, one-way traffic headed Westbound away from the stadium
STADIUM LOTS:
- All stadium lots open at 2:15 p.m. Drivers are asked not to park on the shoulder of the roadways for pedestrian safety.
- All stadium lots west of Abbott Road are closed due to new stadium construction.
- The Bus & Limo lot is located on the North side of the stadium along Southwestern Boulevard.
- All stadium parking lots require an advanced-purchase parking pass (except Lot 2-ADA and Lot 6-ADA).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Intoxicated and unmanageable guests will not be permitted entry into the stadium
- Stadium gates will open at 4:15 p.m.
For a map of the stadium and parking lots, visit: https://www.buffalobills.com/stadium/