Liberty Mile, Steelers game will increase traffic Friday

Friday’s Steelers game combined with a Downtown race at the same time could prove a challenge for motorists.

Heinz Field management encourages fans to arrive two hours early for the game against Tampa Bay to “avoid anticipated heavy traffic and lastminute crowds at the gate,” according to a news release. All gates are expected to open at 5: 30 p. m., with kickoff at 7: 30.

Heinz Field spokesman Nick Sero said from 30,000 to 50,000 fans are expected for the preseason game.

Fans are also being alerted about road construction, with a one- lane restriction both inbound and outbound on Route 51/ 19.

Alternate routes to the game include following the Interstate 279 signs that lead to North Shore Alternate Route Exit 1D or North Shore Alternate Route Exit 2B when Exit 1B becomes congested.

In addition to to the traffic notice, Mr. Sero cautioned game attendees not to screen- shoot their tickets on their phone, as the bar code changes every 30 minutes in order to prevent fraud.

“If you screen- shot your ticket, it guarantees it will not work,” Mr. Sero said. Instead, game attendees can save their tickets to the wallet app on their phone. Heinz Field provides free Wi- Fi that stretches outside of the stadium, so ticketholders should not have too many technical issues.

In addition to Friday night’s game, the annual Fleet Feet Pittsburgh Liberty Mile will take place along Penn and Liberty avenues in the Cultural District, which closes that Downtown area to traffic from 6 to 9 p. m.

As a result of the road closure, access to the EQT Plaza Garage will be closed during those times.

For more information, visit www. libertymile. org.