U2 traffic could be a mess, but Tampa and stadium officials have a plan

TAMPA — Traffic could be a mess Friday night when 70,000 U2 fans descend on Raymond James Stadium for the show.

So the Tampa Police Department, Tampa Sports Authority and Florida Department of Transportation have put together a plan that includes redirecting traffic, opening lots early and using interstate message boards to update drivers.

Mickey Farrell, the Tampa Sports Authority's director of operations, said stadium gates will open at 5 p.m., two hours before the show.

The plan calls for the same street change configurations Bucs fans see on game days, and the city asks for the same level of patience. Signs will direct motorists to the appropriate lots.

Parking for those with floor seating, lots 1 and 3A, will open at 7 a.m. With first-come, first-serve seating on the field, those ticket holders will likely want to show up early, Farrell said.

Lots 5, 6, and 7 will open at noon. The rest will open at 3 p.m. Limousine parking will be in lot 4, and campers should go to lot 8.

Farrell said parking also will be available at nearby Hillsborough Community College. Parking everywhere costs $25 per car and $50 per limo or camper.

Police will be on scene, and shuttles will ferry people from a dropoff and pickup locations, police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.

"Everyone should allow extra time," Davis said. "And patience."