The International Indian Film Academy Awards are in town this week, and residents should expect heavier traffic and some closures near event sites.
The "Bollywood Oscars" schedule opens Wednesday at Curtis Hixon Hall and then moves to the Tampa Convention Center on Thursday, the Fairgrounds on Friday and finally, Raymond James Stadium on Saturday for the main awards show. Thousands of visitors will be in town.
Tampa police and city officials advise the following:
- Wednesday, motorists should avoid Kennedy Boulevard near downtown and, instead, use N Boulevard to the Cass Street Bridge to reach downtown.
- Thursday, road closures around the Convention Center will begin early in the afternoon, so motorists should plan ahead. City officials say all downtown lots will be available for parking and most will charge a flat rate.
- Friday, commuters should expect heavier traffic on Interstate 4, Orient Road, Hillsborough Avenue, U.S. 301 and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
- Saturday, Tampa Bay Boulevard will be closed to traffic beginning at 6 a.m. between Himes Avenue and Dale Mabry Highway. Himes will be restricted to local traffic only after 4 p.m., and the parking lots for spectators will open at 2 p.m. Those attending the event should use the parking lot entries off Dale Mabry after 4 p.m.
The awards weekend includes events focused on Indian film, fashion, music, business and culture. Remaining tickets to Saturday night's show range from $562.25 to $3,294.75 and are available on Ticketmaster.