News: Game may cause parking problems

Early tailgaters expected at University Stadium for UNM-Texas Tech game

Published: Friday, September 27, 2002

UNM students looking for parking in the South Lot may run into a few parking problems this afternoon.

The UNM-Texas Tech football game, which starts at 5 p.m., could potentially create congestion starting as early as 11:00 a.m. because of tailgaters. But UNM officials do not foresee any problems.

The South Lot, which is just east of University Stadium, not only offers parking for UNM, but also TVI students.

"Friday is normally a light day and TVI doesn't have any classes," said Clovis Acosta, director of UNM Parking and Transportation Services. "We'll keep an eye on it. It should go pretty well."

Parking and Transportation Services officials will stop issuing citations in the South Lot at noon, but the lot's shuttle services will continue to run normally.

Acosta said students who plan to park in South Lot should have no parking problems with the tailgaters. Initially, tailgaters will be contained in the western portion of the lot. A large tent will direct patrons to the designated tailgating area.

Acosta said that the Athletic Department is in charge of marking the designated area properly.

He added that later in the afternoon, as the demand for parking decreases, tailgaters will be allowed to "splash over" into the remaining areas of South Lot.

Students who want to avoid football traffic altogether should park in G Lot or any of the letter lots on main campus after 3:45 p.m., when all parking permits become valid in any lot.

Acosta also said that should students run into parking problems, there will be officials patrolling the lot to help them.