The on Saturday will be the first ever SEC game at Faurot Field, and Missouri highways are expected to be full, as fans make their way to the game.
Faurot's listed seating capacity is 71,004. A record 75,298 saw Mizzou play Penn State in 1980, according to the university's website. Could it be a record crowd on Saturday?
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is ready, and has released information to help travelers get to the game safely.
Given the capacity crowd expected for Saturday’s game and the fact that some out-of-state travelers might be coming to Columbia for the first time, the Missouri Department of Transportation will have staff on hand to handle emergency maintenance situations or to help the Missouri State Highway Patrol with traffic control if needed.
MoDOT also suggests motorists check road conditions before they travel by visiting the Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org or by calling MoDOT’s customer service center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (888-275-6636). The toll-free telephone line is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
“We are always ready when Mizzou is going to have a big football game like the one on Saturday,” said Central District Engineer Dave Silvester. “In addition to staffing for emergencies, we perform a number of maintenance activities in advance to make sure state routes are clean, clear and safe.”
For example, MoDOT crews mow and cut brush to make sure roadways and sidewalks are clear, repaint curbs and sidewalks where needed and sweep debris from highways and intersections.
This year, football fans will also be welcomed to Columbia by messages on the digital interstate signs that say, “Welcome fans, travel safe, Arrive Alive.”
