With all of the upcoming events to Tampa during the next few weeks, the area roads are about to get a lot busier.
- Tampa area Florida Department of Transportation also prepping for national championship game
- Outback Bowl (Jan. 2), National Championship Game (Jan. 9) coming up next week
- Outback Bowl information | National Championship Game Tampa
- BN9 2017 National Championship Tampa Bay
That has Bay area Florida Department of Transportation officials, along with law enforcement and the Tampa Sports Authority watching traffic conditions closely.
The TSA is working with the Florida Highway Patrol and FDOT to make sure the expected influx of visitors know how to get around. A crowd of 70,000 is expected at Raymond James Stadium Jan. 9. In the days leading up to the game, multiple events, including concerts and fan gatherings are scheduled near the stadium and in downtown Tampa.
These events come less than a week after the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2 and all the events surrounding that huge annual Tampa event.
Officials are saying plan ahead and use technology to keep up with traffic and the roads. Florida 511 and the Bay News 9 + app can highlight road closures and traffic crashes.
Football fans also can text CFBPlayoff to 888777 for live updates throughout the week with event updates.
"There's events everyday all day and a lot of different ways to get involved you can log onto our website tampabay2017.com," said Rob Higgins with the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. "And make your game plan for your overall college football national championship experience."