Friday, September 28, 2007

Saturday homecoming puts B-CU, Daytona touches to test


By MARK HARPER, Daytona Beach News-Journal Education Writer

DAYTONA BEACH -- Homecoming traditions: The parade. The marching band. The game. The traffic.

Bethune-Cookman University puts on a good show for its students, alumni and friends every year. But long lines forming at the gates of Memorial Stadium, extending down LPGA Boulevard and onto International Speedway Boulevard have been problematic, said Lynn Thompson, athletic director.

"We have a lot of people trying to get into the same spot at the same time," he said. "It's caused a logjam."

This year, school officials have worked with city officials to develop a plan. Here are some details for folks attending Saturday's homecoming:

PARADE: Starts at 9 a.m. Saturday. Main viewing areas are along Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, Walnut Street and Oak Street.

SAFETY: Daytona Beach police Sgt. Lance Blanchette said traffic, especially at Nova Road where Bethune Boulevard crosses, frequently backs up as the parade gets started. Officers will likely allow parts of the parade to cross Nova, then stop the parade to allow traffic through before resuming the parade. "We may stop the parade from time to time to let traffic flow a bit," he said.

GRAND MARSHAL: Joyours "Pete" Gamble, executive director of the Daytona Beach Housing Authority and a member of the class of 1969, will lead the parade.

BUSES TO STADIUM: About 20 buses will run from the university's campus in central Daytona Beach to Memorial Stadium on the west side.

PREGAME PARKING: Passes for the Memorial Stadium lot are available through the university ticket office, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd. Cost is $15. Spaces are limited but off-site parking on the day of the game is also available at the LPGA Golf Course and the USTA Tennis Center on LPGA Boulevard. Those spots cost $10, and shuttle buses will run from those locations.

PARTYING: Many of the tailgating spots have already been sold. The stadium lot opens at 8 a.m. An Alumni Boosters Welcome Tent opens at the stadium at 1 p.m. The pregame show begins at 3:30 p.m.

GAME: The Wildcats host the Morgan State University Bears at 4 p.m. Tickets are $30.

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