Traffic Alert: Large Crowd Expected for Copa America Quarterfinal at Gillette Stadium

Foxborough, MA - First there were 16 and then there were eight.

The Copa America knockout stage continues Saturday night with a quarterfinal round at Gillette Stadium. Lionel Messi and top-ranked Argentina come into town to face Venezuela. The winner of the match earns a date with the United States in the semi-final round.

To help you get ready for the game, here's what you need to know:

What is the Copa America?

Copa America serves as the South American soccer championship. All 10 members of the South American Football Confederation participate along with two invited countries. This year, a special 16-country tournament featuring the 10 usual teams and six teams from the North American federation known as CONCACAF is being held in America to celebrate the tournament's 100th anniversary.

Parking Lot Information

The Gillette Stadium parking lots open at 3 p.m., four hours before kickoff. Parking at the stadium is as $40 for cars and motorcycles and $150 for RVs, limos, and buses. For more parking information, visit the Gillette Stadium parking FAQ.

Allow for Plenty of Time Around the Stadium

With a large crowd expected, fans are encouraged to arrive early. Fans are asked to use Route 140, Interstate 95, and Interstate 495 to access Route 1. Earlier this week, tournament officials announced that 50,000 tickets were sold with fans grabbing more during the week.

Clear Bag Policy In Effect

Bags larger than a small wristlet or handheld wallet will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium, per the venue’s clear bag policy, which is in effect at all ticketed events. If carrying a bag into the stadium is necessary, there are two options: a clear plastic bag the size of a 1 gallon Ziploc bag or a small wristlet or handheld wallet not exceeding 8” x 5” x 2” (approximately the size of a hand).

Please note that bags larger than the permitted size, including purses, shoulder bags, diaper bags and backpacks, will not be allowed inside Gillette Stadium on event day. Further, bags exceeding the permitted size will not be held or stored by the venue and must be returned to a vehicle before entering the stadium. For more information on the clear bag policy, visit http://www.gillettestadium.com/bagpolicy.

Banned Items

Prohibited items at Gillette Stadium include, but are not limited to: selfie sticks, GoPro cameras, camera bags, umbrellas, coolers, fanny packs, outside food and beverage, balloons or beach balls, noisemakers, signs larger than 11 x 17 and any other items deemed dangerous and/or inappropriate by stadium management. For more information on prohibited items, check the stadium security protocol.

Information in this article provided by Gillette Stadium.