The Arizona Cardinals will play a home game Thursday night in Glendale so the state Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for heavier afternoon freeway traffic on the west side of the Valley that afternoon.
MAP: Check current traffic conditions around the Valley
Kickoff for the game against the Denver Broncos is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. and ADOT says drivers should allow extra travel time and consider starting their trips earlier or later than normal.
Parking lots open at 1:30 p.m. and gates open at 3:45 p.m.
ICYMI: Allow extra travel time ahead of two Thursday night football games in Valley.
Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals starts at 5:20; ASU plays at 6 at Sun Devil Stadium. https://t.co/1aA3LGIBjy pic.twitter.com/n9Qz1joNPt— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) October 17, 2018
There also could be some extra congestion elsewhere in the metro area due to another sports event. Arizona State hosts Stanford at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe in a Pac-12 football game starting at 6 p.m.
Expect delays in the downtown Tempe area for that game as well.
"It's going to be busy everywhere," said Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Kameron Lee. "That's why we...need everyone's help to make sure we can all get there safely, enjoy the game, not be frustrated and get home safely."
DPS told ABC15 they will strategically place troopers in order to help respond to, and clear crashes as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, an ADOT spokesperson says I-10 westbound through downtown could see some of the biggest backups. He recommends using the Loop 101 if you're heading to the Cardinals game and avoiding westbound I-10, if possible.
"We have experience with it with other big events," said ADOT spokesman Doug Nintzel. "We're just asking the fans, try your best. (Allow) extra travel time, try to get to the location of either venue ahead of time."
President Trump is also expected to arrive in the Valley Thursday night and stay until Saturday morning. Traffic delays are expected during his travel around the Phoenix area as well, but specific details have not been released.
