Gainesville announces road, parking closures ahead of Gators playing in NCAA Championship Game
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The City of Gainesville announced plans to close roads on Monday night as the University of Florida Men’s Basketball team plays in the national championship game.
The match between Florida and Houston starts at 8:50 p.m. ET in San Antonio, Texas. Many locations in Gainesville are hosting watch parties for the big game.
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The city plans to manage crowds on West University Avenue and near Bo Diddley Plaza in downtown Gainesville.
University of Florida Campus (West University Avenue)
- Watch Parties: The university will open the O’Connell Center for a watch party. Doors open at 7 p.m. The event is free to attend. Many private restaurants and bars are also hosting watch parties.
- Road Closures: Beginning at 9 pm., West University Avenue will be closed to traffic from NW 13th Street to Gale Lemerand Drive, similar to the closures that occur on football game days. The road will remain closed until it is safe to reopen (likely overnight into the early hours Tuesday). Other road closures also may be in effect around campus, as needed.
- No Parking: Beginning at 12 noon, parking on West University Avenue will be restricted. This is for the safety of Midtown patrons, vehicles and personnel.
- Crowds: The city will be conducting inspections of bars and nightclubs. Crowd managers are required to have an accurate count of patrons inside. Maximum occupancy limits will be enforced. Exits must be appropriately maintained and unobstructed.
RELATED: Florida set to take on Houston in the NCAA Championship
Downtown Gainesville (Bo Diddley Plaza)
UPDATE: The Bo Diddley Plaza Watch Party is canceled due to high wind gusts and anticipated rain.
The streets at Bo Diddley Plaza will remain open. Not closed to traffic or parking.
First Alert Weather Forecast: Stormy championship night across NCFL
Some watch parties at nearby restaurants and bars in the downtown area are open and showing the game indoors.
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