Traffic impacts expected for Mizzou Football’s home opener

COLUMBIA, Mo.

Thursday is the University of Missouri's home opener for football and the university wants everyone to keep in mind the expected increased traffic in the campus area.

The increased crowds will cause some changes to the parking and paths people will need to use for travel.

Mizzou fans would need to utilize downtown Columbia Parking garages outlined in red. Those locations are Turner avenue, Conley avenue, Hitt street, University Avenue, and Virginia Street garages.

The parking garages will be free after 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Outlined in green in the map above, limited paid public parking on campus is available in lot R by Truman's Landing beginning at 1 p.m. on Thursday. This parking will be cash only for $35 . It's noted that Lot PS7 and the VA Hospital parking garage are not available for public parking.

RV parking is also set to open for users at 9 a.m. on Thursday for $200 dollars and is located in yellow on the map above.

The city of Columbia has also provided public transportation for those who would like to use it.

Game attendees can download the GOCOMO phone app to locate a free shuttle ride. The city has provided routes for multiple locations, which could help people who decided to stay in a hotel to attend the game.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says a mid-week game changes things up a bit, but say they are prepared for the increased traffic. 

"At each intersection as well as each parking lot, there will be a member of MU athletics working alongside with us to discuss details, answer questions related to your parking passes, [and] directions," said Sgt. Shawn Brazas with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The kick-off time for the game against Louisiana Tech is set to start at 7 p.m.