Expect heavy Tampa traffic, road closure ahead of Bucs vs. Cowboys playoff

The Bucs face the Cowboys Monday and a crowd of more than 60,000 people is expected to head to Raymond James Stadium to watch the playoff game.

Tampa officials are advising drivers and pedestrians to allow for extra travel time and encouraging those not attending the game to avoid the main routes around the stadium. Heavy traffic is anticipated on roads including Dale Mabry Highway, Himes Avenue, Columbus Drive and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Tom McEwen Boulevard (also known as Tampa Bay Boulevard), the road that runs along the southern edge of Raymond James Stadium, will be closed between Dale Mabry and Himes.

Parking lots open at 4:45 p.m. and overnight parking is not permitted. All vehicles left are subject to towing, according to a news release from the city Sunday morning.

Gates will open at 6:45 p.m., with gates to suites and clubs opening earlier at 5:45 p.m. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. More information can be found at www.tampasportsauthority.com or by calling 813-350-6500.