Usually I use this column as a vehicle, no pun intended, to give commuting advice, warn of expected construction, or tips on how to make your commute easier. For the first time since I began to pen this weekly piece almost four years ago, I am here to advise you of concert related delays. Yes, concert traffic.
Perhaps this biggest concert since Neal Diamond’s last tour is set to hit Atlanta Tuesday night and a combination of factors could turn the event into a big traffic headache.
The much anticipated Beyonce and Jay-Z On The Run Tour lands at the Georgia Dome Tuesday night. The sold-out show will be drawing a football sized crowd to the dome. Over 50,000 patrons are expected for the concert. While the Dome certainly can handle such big crowds, this is the first major event at the venue since construction has started on the new Atlanta Falcons Stadium, literally in the shadow of the Dome.
Dome officials warn concert goers:
— The new Atlanta Atlanta Falcons stadium (Atlanta Stadium) construction project is taking place in the area that was the orange lot, purple lot, brown lot and silver lot. Meaning there are about 1,300 fewer parking spots around the Dome.
— The new Atlanta Stadium construction project also forced the closure of Georgia Dome Drive along with portions of Mitchell Street and MLK Jr. Drive.
— Mangum Street was also redesigned around the New Atlanta Stadium construction project.
— Picking up Tickets/ Will Call: Because the south side of the Dome is largely a construction zone, the Dome Ticket office/call windows have moved to the other side of the building and can now be found between gates B and C, look for the large balloon.
As always, MARTA is the suggested mode of transport to the Dome to avoid any traffic or parking headaches. If you do drive, the parking lots at the Dome will open at 9 a.m. Doors to the concert open at 6p.m. with Beyonce and Jay-Z expected to hit the stage at 8 p.m. There is no opening act.
The timing of the concert may have an impact on Tuesday evenings rush hour. As a result commuters could expect to see extra delays on the Downtown Connector (Interstate 75/85), on Northside Drive and on the other surface streets around the Dome. Keep that in mind if those routes are part of your normal Tuesday drive home from work.
I know a lot of you are “Crazy In Love” with Beyonce and Jay-Z. The best advice I can give you is to head out in your “Suit & Tie” grab your “Umbrella” and meet some “Single Ladies” at the nearest MARTA station. The parking situation at the Dome will be far from “Bootylicious” and the last thing you want to do is brush “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” looking for a parking spot.
If you choose to drive, get stuck in traffic and can’t find a parking space, don’t you dare “Say My Name” because I’ll already be inside with “An Empire State Of Mind.”
RELATED LINKS
Atlanta Music Scene Blog for concert previews, reviews, photos and video.
WSB live traffic updates online and in your car at AM 750 and 95.5 FM
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