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Super Bowl traffic is a nightmare in Phoenix. Here's what drivers need to know this weekend

Event parking, public transportation options and more.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Gridlock might be a strong word, but with up to a million people visiting the Valley for Super Bowl LVII and dozens of street closures planned, it's going to be a mess out there on Super Bowl weekend.

The Big Game will be played in Glendale, but downtown Phoenix will be home to NFL headquarters and the many events leading up to the Super Bowl. 

And in Scottsdale: parties galore. 

What we're saying is, nearly the entire Valley will be impacted by traffic and road closures. Here's what you need to know:

SBHQ: Check out the 12News Super Bowl guide

>>  Event parking info
>> Light Rail route, schedule

Phoenix

Ditch your car if you're heading to downtown Phoenix because a lot of roads will be closed. 

If you want to park, here's a map with parking options and ways to pay ahead of time. 

Phoenix road closures

  • Taylor Street: 2nd Street - 3rd Street (through Feb. 13)
  • 2nd Street: Taylor Street - Van Buren Street (through Feb. 13)
  • 3rd Street: Fillmore Street - Taylor Street (through Feb. 13)
  • 3rd Street: Taylor Street - Van Buren Street (through Feb. 13)
  • 2nd Street: Monroe Street - Van Buren (through Feb. 14)
  • 3rd Street: Monroe Street - Van Buren Street (through Feb. 14)
  • 5th Street: Monroe Street - Washington Street (through Feb. 14)
  • 5th Street: Monroe Street - Van Buren Street (through Feb. 14)
  • Monroe Street: 2nd Street - 7th Street (through Feb. 14)
  • 2nd Street: Washington Street - Monroe Street (through Feb. 14)
  • 3rd Street: Washington Street - Monroe Street (through Feb. 14)
  • 3rd Street: Washington Street - Jefferson Street (through Feb. 13)
  • Polk Street: 2nd Street - 1st Street (through Feb. 13)

Hance Park event

The Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s at Hance Park expects a large number of visitors, so expect delays in the area

>> City of Phoenix road closures

Glendale

City of Glendale officials said managing traffic flow will be one of their greatest challenges. They are warning Valley residents to buckle up ahead of the big game.

In an effort to ease congestion during the Super Bowl festivities, public transportation will be emphasized for football fans. Valley Metro will be monitoring traffic flows and said they will add up to 11 more trains when needed, to help with capacity. Valley Metro also plans to bring more buses to Glendale as well.

RELATED: A local's guide to Glendale
RELATED: Glendale transforms ahead of Super Bowl 

Glendale officials said there are normally 25,000 parking spaces available around the stadium. On Super Bowl Sunday, there will be 4,408 spots for drivers to use.

State Farm Stadium parking on Super Bowl Sunday

Glendale road closures

  • 95th Avenue: Maryland Avenue to Cardinals Drive will be closed  9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Feb. 17
  • 95th Avenue: The northbound right lanes will be closed from Georgia to Cardinals Way 7 p.m.-8 a.m. through Feb. 12
  • Cardinals Way: 95th avenue to 91st Avenue will be closed from 6 a.m. Feb 12- 3 a.m. Feb. 13
  • Montebello Avenue: 91st Avenue to 95th Avenue will only be open to NFL vehicles through 8 a.m. on Feb. 12. 

Scottsdale

Old Town road closures

The area around Second Street and Scottsdale Road is closed through Feb. 17. Expect delays near Old Town Scottsdale for the rest of Super Bowl week during the Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate

WM Open

Expect traffic and delays in Scottsdale near Loop 101 and Bell Road, where the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale runs through Feb. 12. 

The PGA Tour tournament typically draws 500,000 spectators each year.

General public parking with shuttle access to the tournament gates is FREE and available in the following areas:

WESTWORLD (Lot A)

Drivers coming from the east on the Loop 101 can exit on Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., then drive north to Bell Road to 94th street, then into the parking lot entrance. Coming from the West on Loop 101 take the Bell Road exit.  The free shuttles from Lot A will operate Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

HAYDEN/MAYO (Lot C – LIMITED PARKING)

WMO recommends Loop 101 drivers exit at Hayden and drive south into the parking lot. The FREE shuttles from Lot C will operate on a limited basis from Thursday-Sunday

SALT RIVER FIELDS (Lot B)

Free parking is available at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick at Loop 101 and Via de Ventura.  Shuttles to and from the tournament entrance are available at this location as well and will run Wednesday – Sunday only, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Rideshare, public transportation options

With thousands of visitors expected to travel to Arizona from out-of-state, rideshare usage is expected to increase. 

  • Glendale plans to have a designated ride-share location near the stadium
  • Get FREE light rail passes with the NFL OnePass app

>> Light rail route, schedule

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

12News SBHQ 

12News is your home for all things Super Bowl LVII!

The Valley is expected to draw thousands of people to the Big Game – along with the many events and local attractions State 48 has to offer. 

In Phoenix, several events are planned including the Super Bowl Experience where families can enjoy free entertainment and the Super Bowl Music Fest

Scottsdale will be home to the Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate and the Tailgate Time Machine block party. 

>> SBHQ: Check out the full 12News Super Bowl guide

In Tempe, the FanDuel Party at Tempe Beach Park on Feb. 10 will feature a carnival atmosphere with games, music and more.  

Meanwhile, Glendale will host the Super Bowl itself, and city officials told 12News Glendale has had the explosive growth it needs to match it

Visitors can expect roadway and parking improvements, top-of-the-line security, and a newly expanded entertainment district ahead – a project that's been years in the making.

No ticket for game day? No problem. Here’s where you can watch the Super Bowl. 

The Grand Canyon State is home to some beautiful scenery and spectacular weather, both of which make for great golfing and hiking. The 12News digital team has guides to help make your Valley experience GREAT.

Looking for a more low-key Super Bowl weekend? Here’s an introvert’s guide to avoiding crowds on Super Bowl weekend

And here are five interesting places in the metro Phoenix area that every out-of-towner should try to visit before departing after the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl LVII

Get all the latest news and updates about what is going on around the Valley for Super Bowl LVII.


Before You Leave, Check This Out