One Direction's Tampa Show: What Parents Need to Know

The boys from One Direction aren’t expected to make their way to town until next Friday, but that’s not stopping the Tampa Sports Authority from issuing an early advisory about what’s expected to be a huge traffic draw.

While the concert, which features 5 Seconds of Summer as the opening act, doesn’t kick off until 7 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium, gates will open for the Oct. 3 show at 5:30, the authority advises. Since traffic jams are anticipated, “parents not attending the show are strongly suggested to park and utilize the parents lounge area.”

That lounge is being set up on the northeast side of the stadium. It features an outdoor and indoor area with access to complimentary coffee, restrooms and television. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, too. The patio area opens at 5:30 p.m. when the gates do and the inside opens at 7.

Parking for the event costs $25 and lots open at 3 p.m. for early birds who really want to avoid the traffic.

Parents who plan to drop off and pick up their kids are asked to take these routes:

• From northbound Dale Mabry, turn left onto Tampa Bay Boulevard, take the third entrance into Hillsborough Community College on the right and continue toward the designated drop off area.
• From southbound Dale Mabry, turn right onto Tampa Bay Boulevard and take the third entrance into Hillsborough Community College on the right and continue to the designated drop off area.

• For those heading in from the west, the authority recommends taking Air Cargo Road and turning left onto Tampa Bay Boulevard. Then go around the roundabout and onto Lois. Take the first entrance into Hillsborough Community College on the right and continue toward the designated drop off area.

Once show goers are dropped off, parents can exit or park. Parents who opt to leave are advised that they may not arrive earlier than 8:30 p.m. to pick up their kids, but those who arrive after 9:30 p.m. “may be significantly delayed and/or rerouted.”

Other Things to Know

• Cameras – Only cameras that are 12 inches or less, including body, lens and filter, are allowed in the stadium. Video recorders are not allowed and neither are camera bags and cases.
• Mobile tickets – These are accepted, but the Sports Authority recommends tickets be saved as a PDF on mobile devices in case signals are lost or that print outs be made.
• Bag policy – The clear bag policy is not in effect for this event, but bags will be searched on entry into the stadium.

For more information, visit the Tampa Sports Authority online.

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Photo Credit: One Direction/Patch File Photo