In addition to the influx of thousands of fans, tonight's Rolling Stones concert at Scott Stadium promises to bring logistical challenges for University and City officials.
The anticipated 52,000 concertgoers are predicted to clog local roads and parking lots.
"We're expecting it to be very exciting," said Rebecca White, director of the University Department of Parking and Transportation.
Although there will be about 10,000 fewer attendees than a normal sold-out football game, there will be fewer students and fans familiar with the area.
"It will be a little more chaotic in terms of traffic and people trying to find their way," Dean of Students Penny Rue said.
To make room for the many visitors, parking lots around the stadium will be cleared by 4 p.m.
Parking in the Emmet/Ivy, Central Grounds and Health Systems South garages also will be cleared during the 4 to 5:30 p.m. period, as these garages transition to concert parking, White said.
Parking policies in these garages will be strictly enforced.
"We're hoping that communication will be so thorough that we won't have to tow," White said.
The University Transit Service will phase out Blue and Orange Route service around 3:30 p.m. but will extend Green Route service until around 12 p.m., White said.
The Charlottesville Transit Service will be running a $3 shuttle from the Downtown Mall to the stadium from 6:15 p.m. until one hour after the concert is over.
The shuttle service, which normally runs on football game days, gets between 1,200 and 1,500 passengers, said Jack Ridley, Charlottesville Transit Service Operations Manager.
"They're looking for it to be just as heavy as a normal football Saturday," Ridley said.
According to Rue, the additional traffic should not prevent students from getting to classes this evening.
In addition to traffic and parking concerns, a few alcohol and drug-related emergency room trips are expected, Rue said.
"I expect it will be in many ways like a night football game, which is always a bit livelier," she said.
There will be an emergency command post set up at the stadium to coordinate the various law enforcement personnel who will be working at the concert.
"They're watching the audience watch the concert," Rue said.
Parking will continue to be affected until Saturday night when officials determine the maintenance needed to prepare the stadium's turf for the next home football game Oct. 15.
If more maintenance is required, stadium parking will continue to be affected although not as dramatically.
"If the field is okay, then Sunday is going to be a wonderful day," White said.
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