CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The University of Illinois will implement a new lot-specific traffic-routing system for the 2026 Illinois football season.
With season tickets sold out for the second consecutive year, the university said the updated traffic plan is designed to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and provide the most efficient access possible given the large crowds.
Fans can expect to see more officers directing traffic at intersections, vehicle restrictions on streets immediately surrounding the stadium and new color designations for parking lots in addition to the existing lot numbers.
The university recommends early arrival, especially for the first few games of the season and for events with increased traffic, such as Homecoming and Dads Day, to allow extra time to navigate the new traffic patterns. Drivers should also have parking passes ready to show officers at intersections.
Starting three and a half hours before kickoff, drivers will be required to follow designated traffic routes based on their parking lot. Following games, traffic patterns will initially operate in reverse, with more routes reopening as traffic clears.
Designated gameday parking routes can be found here.
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