Thousands of people traveling to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday morning experienced significant traffic congestion and road closures. The delays affected major roadways, including Interstate 10 and Loop 101, as attendees arrived for a memorial event for Charlie Kirk.
The heavy traffic led many individuals to walk from area freeways to reach the stadium. Law enforcement agencies implemented several road closures to manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
Key Takeaways
- Thousands faced traffic delays near State Farm Stadium.
- Interstate 10 and Loop 101 saw heavy congestion.
- Multiple road closures were in effect around the stadium.
- A separate head-on crash caused additional road closures nearby.
- Air Force One and other federal planes were expected, potentially impacting air travel.
Significant Road Congestion Begins Early
Traffic began to build in Glendale shortly before 5 a.m. on Sunday. Arizona Department of Transportation cameras showed long lines of vehicles. The westbound Interstate 10 and northbound Loop 101 were particularly affected, with traffic moving slowly toward Glendale Avenue.
Glendale Avenue itself experienced gridlock. Vehicles moved at a crawl, and many pedestrians walked between cars to reach State Farm Stadium. Stadium doors opened at approximately 7:40 a.m., allowing attendees to enter.
Traffic Snapshot
- Start Time: Congestion began before 5 a.m.
- Affected Areas: Westbound I-10, northbound Loop 101, Glendale Avenue.
- Pedestrians: Many walked from freeways to the stadium.
- Stadium Entry: Doors opened around 7:40 a.m.
Extensive Road Closures Implemented
To manage the large crowds and vehicle flow, the Glendale Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety announced several road closures around State Farm Stadium. These closures impacted drivers attempting to access the area.
Specific closures included Cardinals Way, which was shut down between 99th Avenue and 91st Avenue. Both on- and off-ramps for Loop 101 in this vicinity were also closed. Maryland Avenue was closed between 95th Avenue and 91st Avenue, along with the Loop 101 HOV ramps.
Additionally, 99th Avenue was closed between Maryland Avenue and Glendale Avenue. Several other avenues, including 95th Avenue and 93rd Avenue, were closed between Maryland Avenue and Entertainment Boulevard. Northbound Loop 101 off-ramps at Northern were closed, as were off-ramps in both directions at Camelback and Indian School roads.
"The Glendale Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety worked to ensure public safety and manage traffic during the memorial event," a spokesperson stated regarding the closures.
Separate Head-On Collision Adds to Road Issues
Adding to the traffic challenges, a serious head-on crash occurred on Bethany Home Road. This incident happened between 63rd Avenue and 67th Avenue, approximately four miles from State Farm Stadium. The collision took place around 6:30 a.m.
According to the Glendale Police Department, one driver was extricated from their vehicle and transported to a hospital in critical condition. Another individual sustained less severe injuries and was also transported for medical care. Bethany Home Road remained closed for an extended period as detectives investigated the incident.
Impact of Collisions
Road accidents, especially during peak traffic times or large events, can significantly worsen congestion. They often require extensive closures for emergency response and investigation, further delaying travelers and impacting local mobility.
Traffic Eases Later in the Morning
The heavy freeway congestion began to lessen later on Sunday morning. By mid-morning, traffic on Interstate 10 and Loop 101 in the West Valley was moving more freely. This improvement allowed for smoother travel for those still heading to or leaving the area.
However, authorities advised the public to anticipate possible further delays. The arrival of Air Force One, Air Force Two, and at least one other federal government plane in the Valley was expected ahead of the memorial. These arrivals can impact both ground and air traffic operations.
Potential Air Travel Impacts
As of 10 a.m., 35 flights were reported as delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It was not immediately clear if these flight delays were directly related to the incoming federal government planes. However, such arrivals typically involve temporary airspace restrictions or adjustments that can affect commercial flight schedules.
Travelers planning to fly in or out of Phoenix Sky Harbor were encouraged to check their flight status regularly. The coordination of federal air travel with commercial operations requires careful management to minimize disruptions.
- Morning Improvement: Freeway traffic lessened after peak hours.
- Federal Arrivals: Air Force One and other government planes were expected.
- Airport Delays: 35 flights delayed at Phoenix Sky Harbor by 10 a.m.
- Traveler Advice: Check flight status for potential impacts.
