What to know about traffic and parking for the Fiesta Bowl

The Washington Huskies and Penn State Nittany Lions players will stand shoulder to shoulder at Glendale’s University of Phoenix Stadium on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean you have to drive bumper-to-bumper while getting there.

Festivities begin early with the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Fan Fest Pregame Party on the Great Lawn of the stadium, near Loop 101 and Bethany Home Road, opening at 9:30 a.m., and other activities at the nearby Westgate Entertain-

ment District.

Gamegoers can enter the stadium beginning at noon. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Here’s how to make your commute as painless as possible, according to Glendale’s Traffic Management Center.

Assume nothing

Normal traffic routes don’t always apply during events like the Fiesta Bowl. Rather than rely on GPS apps like Google Maps or Waze, Glendale recommends drivers plan where to park beforehand. Those who purchased parking passes can follow directions printed on the back.

Drivers should avoid Maryland Avenue between 93rd and 95th avenues, as well as the stretch of 95th Avenue in front of the stadium, as those roads are closed to everyone but shuttles and pedestrians.

Prepare your parking plan

Those who still need a parking pass can buy one through the Fiesta Bowl website, though they require pick-up at the ticket office in Scottsdale. Stadium parking prices break down as follows: ❚ South of Maryland Avenue: $40. ❚ All parking passes north of Maryland Avenue: $30.

❚ RV parking passes: $150.

❚ Limo parking passes: $120.

❚ Bus parking passes: $250.

The Fiesta Bowl parking lot opens at 9 a.m.

Anyone visiting Westgate between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday will have to pay a $10 parking fee, while Tanger Outlets customers must fork over $20 to park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Ride-sharing

There are two ride-share pick-up/ drop-off areas: one at Westgate and the other just south of the stadium.

❚ At Westgate, it’s at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Brandon Lane.

❚ Near the stadium, it’s at 95th Avenue and Bethany Home Road.

Visit www.fiestabowl.org for rideshare discount information.

Real-time traffic updates

Get traffies at the Arizona Department of Transportation’s www.az511.com or dial 511. Glendale provides traffic info on Twitter @GlendaleAZPD.