TSSAA's Basketball Return Means Parking and Traffic Changes Starting Wednesday

Several changes in parking and traffic patterns on the Middle Tennessee State University campus are coming soon as MTSU again will host the TSSAA Division I High School Basketball Tournaments on March 12-15 (girls) and March 19-22 (boys).

As high school basketball again returns to historic Murphy Center for a few weeks, MTSU Parking and Transportation Services reminds the campus, visitors and other motorists in the area, particularly as students and faculty return from the March 10-15 spring break, to be aware of the factors affecting university roads and parking. With the expected increase in traffic, motorists are encouraged to allow for extra time to reach a destination.

• The Greenland Drive parking lot will be reserved for TSSAA ticket holders and there will be a charge to park in that lot. Students and faculty who use the Greenland Drive lot are encouraged to find alternative parking around campus during this busy time.

• The Middle Tennessee/Woodfin lot will be reserved for TSSAA ticket holders and there will be a charge to park in that lot March 12-15 (during MTSU Spring Break), and starting at noon on Friday, March 21.

• MTSU's East Main Street and Rutherford Boulevard entrances will be the most convenient campus entry points during the tournaments. The arm gate on the east end of the Cope Administration building will be in the up position during tournaments to allow access to Old Main Circle.

• High school team buses will enter campus from Champion Way to Faulkinberry Drive. Faulkinberry Drive will be closed to campus traffic from Middle Tennessee Boulevard to Champion Way. Normal Way will also be closed to accommodate the parking of all team buses. No campus parking or road access will be available in these areas.

• The Raider Xpress Shuttle Service will run its normal schedule during TSSAA tournaments, with the exception for the Green Route. The Green Route will not service the Greenland Drive lot.

Parking and Transportation Services reserves the right to close any lot(s) when they become full.

The traffic plan is designed to maximize the use of the perimeter lots and support Raider Xpress efficiency.

"The TSSAA Tournaments attract thousands of prospective students, their families, alumni, and other University supporters on campus for these high school events," said Ron Malone, vice president of Events and Transportation at MTSU. "We appreciate everyone's cooperation and assistance in helping to make our visitors feel welcome on the Blue Raider campus."

All other events scheduled on campus during the tournaments will allow first-come, first-served parking in any of MTSU's free lots, based on availability. Visitors will need parking passes on class days.

For more information about MTSU traffic, parking and road closures, call the MTSU Parking and Transportation Services Office at 615-898-2850 or visit www.mtsu.edu/parking. For more information about the TSSAA state tournaments, visit www.tssaa.org or call 615-889-6740.