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Downtown Jax will be a monster TRAFFIC jam Saturday

Be warned – downtown Jacksonville will be packed this Saturday, as multiple events will be happening simultaneously.

The biggest draw will be the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam, expected to bring an estimated 70,000 people to EverBank Field.  The “Pit Party” runs from 1:30 to 5 p.m. outside the stadium.  Then the gates open and the main event begins at 7 p.m.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says parking around EverBank will go fast, and municipal and private lots around the stadium only accept cash.  Parking prices at EverBank field vary depending on the lot you choose.

**No parking will be allowed on Bay Street starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday.**

**CLICK HERE to see a map of the EverBank lots. **

**CLICK HERE for a JSO-provided map on traffic routes for those coming into downtown from 95-northbound and I-10. **

**CLICK HERE for a JSO-provided map of routes for those coming in via 95-Southbound. **

The city has set up a new free drop-off and pickup lot on Georgia Street behind the Baseball Grounds between Adams and Duval streets.  Riders have to be there before the Monster Jam ends at about 10 p.m.

JSO recommends picking up at that lot by 9 p.m. because they will turn the traffic one way after the event to speed up the flow, so it will be very difficult to get in there and pick someone up after that time.  After Monster Jam, all roads around the stadium will flow towards the bridges.

In addition to Monster Jam, all the other major city venues also have their own events on Saturday.

The Veterans Memorial Arena at 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd will host the Jacksonville University’s women’s basketball game against East Tennessee State at 1 p.m.  The men’s game follows at 3:15 p.m.

The Prime Osborn Convention Center at 1000 Water St. will host the Jax Jam Volleyball Tournament, which has games at noon, 4:00 and 7:30 p.m.

There’s plenty of music happening downtown as well.  The Times-Union Center at 300 W. Water St. will host “In the Mood,” a retro 1940’s musical revue, at 7 p.m. and the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra at 8 p.m.

Also at 8 p.m., the Irish band “Celtic Crossroads” will perform at the Florida Theatre at 128 E. Forsyth St.

The Mathews and Hart bridges will be open.  JSO says East Bay Street will have most lanes flowing toward the stadium as of 3 p.m. Saturday.

Beaver and Monroe streets are suggested as alternate routes.  You can also take Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway to Talleyrand Avenue to Eighth Street for stadium parking on the east side.

For those coming in on Interstate 95 northbound, JSO recommends using the Main Street Bridge to get to Monster Jam.  When it ends, all roads around the stadium will flow towards the Main Street, Mathews and Hart bridges.

JSO also says they’ll be looking out for underage drinking.  Those who can’t produce ID will get a citation.

The Sheriff's Office will update traffic on its Facebook site and via Twitter at @JSOPIO or www.twitter.com/JSOPIO starting at 1 p.m. Saturday.

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