It’s that time when Americans are gearing up to catch the big game, and it sure will be big this year.
Nearly half a million Super Bowl fans are expected to head to Las Vegas to celebrate Super Bowl 58 on Feb. 11, and many others will attend one of the many watch parties nationwide. As the most popular sporting event in the U.S., the Super Bowl is also the biggest television program of the year. In other words, crowds will be inevitable.
“Las Vegas is historically a popular destination for the Superbowl,” said INRIX transportation analyst Bob Pishue to USA TODAY. “With the Superbowl in Las Vegas this year, we would expect more travel to and from hotels, casinos, restaurants and more along the corridor.”
This year, kickoff is slated to be at 3:30 p.m. MST (local time), prompting travelers who want to experience the Super Bowl at a watch party to plan accordingly to avoid sitting in traffic and missing the fun.
“It is expected that 450,000 people could be in Vegas for the Super Bowl this year, guaranteeing both road and foot traffic,” David Woody, country development and travel expert at SIXT, told USA TODAY in a statement. “Plan ahead, keep your cool, and stay focused to be the winning quarterback of your team's travel game.”
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Here are five tips for those driving to enjoy the big game:
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1. Plan your route way in advance
Start figuring your route out now if you haven’t already. Those heading to the Las Vegas area should expect hoards of others to be en route and congestion on all major highways leading there, especially on Interstate 15, according to transportation analytics company INRIX.
Last year, travel time heading northbound into Vegas increased by nearly 30%. Since Vegas is hosting the game this year, expect even more congestion and longer drives.
Even if you’re staying closer to home, traffic will likely happen too. “Major watch parties are common across the country, so keep in mind the areas which might be the busiest in your city, and try to avoid them or if you’re heading there, be sure to arrive early,” Woody said.
2. The worst travel times to travel for the Super Bowl
Choose your departure times wisely to avoid sitting in stand-still traffic. According to INRIX, peak traffic occurred before the game between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and post-game after 10 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday last year.
Woody predicted that immediately before and after the game could also be hectic for travelers.
As a bonus for getting to your destination early, you’ll also have more time to find parking. So sit back and relax.
3. Check under the hood
As you do for any road trip, make sure your car is in good shape before you hit the road, even if you’re not necessarily going far. Knowing your car is in working order helps prepare you to avoid any unexpected delays or stops. Be sure to check your car’s fluid levels and tire pressure. Top off your gas tank or charge your EV completely. Better safe than sorry.
4. Keep calm
Prepare to encounter at least some traffic and delays during your journey, but stay positive and avoid road rage or aggressive driving by focusing on safe driving. “Turn on some music or a radio station that broadcasts the game and trust that you will get there eventually and safe and sound,” Woody said. If you do meet some nuisance driving, take deep breaths and remember the bigger picture: the game.
5. Be responsible
Despite the anticipation of the game or the frustration of traffic, make sure you’re being a cautious driver to prevent any accidents or traffic violations. “Driving errors and parking fines are more common during popular events such as the Super Bowl due to a range of factors, such as an increase of vehicles in low-traffic neighborhoods, driving in unfamiliar areas and irresponsible and distracted driving,” said Woody. Even waving a foam finger out your window that causes you to drive a little recklessly could end in a fine.
“The more aware you are of possible tickets you could face, the better,” he added.
Make sure to have a plan for a designated driver – the average DUI court case is $10,000, and getting behind the wheel after drinking is never worth it.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.
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Super Bowl 58 and Travel Tips
The upcoming Super Bowl 58 is expected to draw nearly half a million fans to Las Vegas, making it a significant event with a massive influx of travelers. The game is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m. MST, prompting travelers to plan their journeys carefully to avoid traffic congestion and ensure they don't miss out on the excitement .
Travel Tips for Super Bowl Attendees:
- Plan Your Route in Advance: With the high volume of travelers heading to Las Vegas and major watch parties across the country, it's crucial to plan your route well in advance to avoid congestion on major highways.
- Choose Departure Times Wisely: Peak traffic is expected before the game between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., as well as after 10 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday. Planning your departure times strategically can help you avoid stand-still traffic.
- Check Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is in good shape before hitting the road, including checking fluid levels, tire pressure, and fuel levels. This preparation can help prevent unexpected delays during your journey.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Expect some traffic and potential delays, but maintain a positive attitude and avoid road rage or aggressive driving. Listening to music or a radio station broadcasting the game can help keep you relaxed during the journey.
- Drive Responsibly: Be a cautious driver to prevent accidents or traffic violations, especially during popular events like the Super Bowl. It's important to have a plan for a designated driver to ensure safety.
These travel tips are essential for anyone planning to attend the Super Bowl in Las Vegas or any major watch parties across the country.
Concepts from the Provided Article
The concepts used in this article are related to public speaking, travel, and event planning. The article discusses the anticipation and preparations for the Super Bowl, emphasizing the need for careful planning, responsible driving, and staying calm during travel. Additionally, it touches on the impact of the event on travel and traffic, highlighting the importance of early planning and strategic decision-making to avoid congestion and delays.
