GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Preparations have been made for country music star Morgan Wallen’s first appearance here at the Swamp. Friday is the first night of his two concerts at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Although fans have been filling up with excitement for months, local law authorities have been preparing as well to make sure everyone is safe.
Gainesville Police Department officials say the planning has been going on for months since the concert was first announced. This has involved all the law enforcement and public safety entities within the county coming together on a regular basis to plan and strategize on how to keep everyone that’s attending safe.
The main area that will be impacted will be University Avenue. Road closures include University Avenue between 17th Street and Gale Lemerand Drive. They will reopen at 1 a.m.
Law enforcement says this is for the safety of the pedestrians trying to get into the concert.
“Anybody that can avoid that area at all should avoid it expect large crowds in our eating establishments our different businesses, a huge traffic impact. They’ll be a lot more traffic on the roadway so if you can avoid the area this weekend, Friday and Saturday and maybe go to areas on the outskirts of town or in other areas you’re gonna be way far ahead because you’re gonna avoid the crowd” Art Forgey, Gainesville Police Department Public Information Officer, said.
GPD officers also say that it will be a hot afternoon and to make sure to prioritize hydration, and to be prepared for the large crowds try to be as patient as possible, as the goal here is to get everyone in and out Gates open at 4:30 p.m. both days.
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