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2017 College Football National Championship: What you need to know before you go

No. 2 Clemson vs. No. 1 Alabama; 1/9/17 8PM
Posted at 11:36 AM, Jan 03, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-11 12:45:36-05

Headed to see the Clemson Tigers take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football National Championship at Raymond James Stadium on Monday? Here's everything you need to know before you go. 

Traffic is going to be very heavy, be sure to plan accordingly. 

National Championship Events & Concerts

PHOTOS | The 2017 College Football National Championship in Tampa

National Championship Matchup: Alabama vs. Clemson at Raymond James Stadium

AT&T mobile coverage boosted in Tampa Bay

 

WEATHER

Get the game day forecast from ABC Action Weather

PARKING

Parking lots will open at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9th.

You are strongly encouraged to purchase parking passes to help ease the traffic and parking experience surrounding the game. Parking passes are available here: https://cfp.clickandpark.com/

There will be limited cash parking available surrounding the stadium. 

Cars | $50 | Pre-Paid Parking: Lots 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 & Jesuit High School and Al Lopez Park | Pre-Paid ADA Parking: Lots A and C

RV's | $150 |  Pre-Paid Parking:Lot 14 *No overnight parking is available on stadium property.

Limousines | $125 | Pre-Paid Parking:Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

Motorcycles | $50 | Lot 14

Bus | $150 | Pre-Paid Parking:Lot 14 or Hillsborough Community College (HCC)

Disabled Parking and Services: Vehicles must have state-issued disabled hangtag or license plate to enter disabled parking areas located behind Lots A and CW. Disabled parking spaces are first-come, first-served for those requesting disabled parking and are $50 each. Guests with disabilities may be dropped off at Lots A and B/C.

Lots will close one-hour after the game.

 

 

TRAFFIC & ROAD CLOSURES

Cass Street from Doyle Carlton Drive to Ashley Drive as well as Franklin Street from Channelside Drive to Old Water Street, and Franklin Street from Polk Street to Cass Street will be closed during the Downtown events listed with times below:

Playoff Fan Central at the Tampa Convention Center

  • Friday 1/6/17 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday 1/7/17 from noon to 8 p.m.
  • Sunday 1/8/17 from noon to 8 p.m.

Playoff Playlist Live at Curtis Hixon Park

  • Friday 1/6/17 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Saturday 1/7/17 from noon to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday 1/8/17 from noon to 11 p.m.

Ashley Drive will have the southbound outside lane closed from approximately 8 a.m. on 12/30/16 until midnight on 1/5/17.

Gasparilla Plaza from Cass Street to Ashley Drive will be closed in both directions from approximately 7 a.m. on 1/2/17 to approximately midnight on 1/10/17.

FOLLOW Tampa Bay Traffic on Twitter for updates. 

 

 

 

 

TECO LINE STREETCAR

The TECO Streetcar service will be FREE through Monday night for the National Championship. 

 

 

RIDE-SHARING

If you plan to Uber or Lyft to the game, passengers will be dropped off at the Mass Transit hub near the pedestrian bridge. Pick-up will be located at the Ride-share area at Steinbrenner Field, located northwest of Raymond James Stadium. 

Raymond James Parking Information, click here

College Football Playoff Parking Information, click here.

TAILGATING

  • Tailgating is permitted in the stadium parking lots with the exception of Al Lopez Park.
  • No tents larger than 10x10 are allowed. 
  • Please occupy one parking spot.
  • Tailgating should only take place behind each fan's vehicle. 
  • You cannot save parking spaces. 
  • Do not block other spaces, walkways or any aisles.
  • Please leave room in driveways for emergency response vehicles. 

THE WEEKEND BEFORE THE GAME | Usher, FloRida, Eric Paslay and more set to perform in FREE National Championship concerts in Tampa

CHAMPIONSHIP TAILGATE

The Championship Tailgate is FREE to anyone with a National Championship game ticket. The Championship Tailgate experience features interactive games, sponsor activities, concessions and ESPN broadcast set. The tailgate runs from noon to 6:30 p.m.

Multi-platinum singer and songwriter, Dierks Bentley will headline the Capital One Quiksilver Music Stage. The Shadowboxers will open for Bentley. 

TICKETS | WILL CALL | BOX OFFICE INFO

The Raymond James Stadium Box Office will open at noon on game-day. The box office is located at the south end of the stadium. 

WHAT AM I ALLOWED BRING INTO THE GAME?

The clear bag policy will be in effect. All of your belongings must fit in a clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and the bag cannot exceed 12x6x12'. Attendees can use a one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. Attendees can carry a small clutch bag, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, that can be taken into the stadium with one of the clear plastic bags. 

WHAT AM I NOT ALLOWED TO BRING INTO THE GAME?

  • Backpacks, duffel bags or large bags
  • Binocular cases
  • Camera bags
  • Cans and bottles
  • Coolers
  • Fireworks
  • Food and/or drinks
  • Glass
  • Horns
  • Lasers
  • Illegal drugs
  • Pets (Service animals permitted)
  • Recreational balls
  • Seat cushions
  • Sticks/Pom-Poms with stick handles, Poles/Camera/"Selfie" Sticks or extenders
  • Strollers
  • Umbrellas
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems & Radio Controlled Model Aircraft/Drones (strictly prohibited on stadium property including parking lots, stadium exterior and inside the stadium)
  • Video Cameras
  • Weapons
  • Any item that could be used as a missile

STADIUM TOURS BEFORE THE GAME

Raymond James Stadium is providing exclusive behind-the-scenes tours during preparations for the College Football Playoff National Championship. For more info, visit here: http://raymondjamesstadium.com/

SCHEDULE: 
Wednesday, January 4, 2017: 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 5, 2017: 10 a.m, Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Friday, January 6, 2017: 10 a.m, Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Saturday, January 7, 2017: 10 a.m, Noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunday, January 8, 2017: 9 a.m.
Monday, January 9, 2017: Game Day - No Tours
Tuesday, January 10, 2017: 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.

PUBLIC TOUR PRICING:
Adults (12+): $18.00
Seniors (55+)/Military (with valid ID): $15.00
Children (5-11): $12.00
Children (under 4): Free

WIFI AT THE STADIUM

Free wifi is available at the stadium, however, due tot he significant amount of mobile devices in use, wifi could be slower than normal. It is recommended to bring additional batteries, chargers for mobile devices. The stadium wifi is listed as: CFPPUBLIC

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BEFORE THE GAME

Country artist Dierks Bentley will headline the show. The Shadowboxers will open up before Bentley. 

Gates to the stadium open at 5:30 p.m. The pregame show will start at 7:30 p.m.

Little Big Town will sing the National Anthem.

Kickoff is at 8 p.m.

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