COLUMBIA, S.C. — It's a busy weekend in the Midlands! Friday marked day three of the South Carolina State Fair and the day before USC's homecoming weekend. Thousands will be in the area, meaning more traffic than usual.
"GO COCKS," one fairgoer said.
Many people are planning how to get to Williams-Brice for the big game against the Florida Gators.
"We actually booked a lot earlier this year, so we paid about $20," Chrystal Neeling said.
"Uber, yeah, I'mma Uber. I don't have to worry about you know where my car is or if it's gonna be towed," Jazmine Davis said.
According to Matt Lashuma with State Fair Public Safety, they're on the right track with planning.
"Nothing that is guaranteed to anyone. So it's first come, first serve, $20 a car, credit card only. We open at 9 a.m., and when it's full, it's full," Lashuma said.
The main parking fair parking lot won't be available for tailgaters. But traffic patterns will be the same as every other home game. For fans used to going to home games, their route won't change, even if where they park won't.
For people attending the fair and not the game, Lashuma said to come early before kickoff, or you might get stuck.
"If you are one of the lucky ones to get here at 9 a.m. and the kickoff's at 3:30 p.m. You're trying to sneak out of here before the football traffic arrives. I'd plan on getting out here very early, much earlier than 3:30," he said.
As for people attending the game on Saturday, South Carolina State Trooper William Bennett said you need to pack something a little extra before leaving the house.
"Come have a good time, but don't forget, when you leave home, to pack your patience, when you are to Williams Brice, especially when the fair's going on. That just makes the traffic even heavier than it normally is," Bennett said.
He added there will be more troopers in the area to help direct traffic and to pay attention to the many pedestrians out this weekend.