Re: 2016/2017 Lowell Thread: Hoping for Chicago pt 2
A bit more logistical information for Saturday. With regard to the marathon, when looking at the
Arena Parking Map and the
Marathon Route Map, everything to the left of Granite Street and Lake Avenue (south of that area) is accessible including Exit 5 off the highway. Everything to the right (north) is inaccessible including the majority of those parking areas on the arena map. Did some digging and both the arena and marathon people said that the garage across from the arena by the hotel at the corner of Granite and Elm is accessible and available (how much availability is TBD given marathon and the fact the hotel is also hosting the Made In New Hampshire Trade Show from 10-8 Saturday...I guess Manchester does the same job coordinating their events as Les says the do with event traffic management).
The arena said other than that garage, it would be on street parking in the areas south of Granite, to the left on their parking map. Marathon people said that in addition to on street, there are many private lots in that area that wave folks in and charge during events. And Commercial Street will be accessible they said to the south towards the ball park as well as north along the mill areas as that street to the north is not within the marathon course zone. So there would be on street, mill parking lots as office workers aren't there, and possibly some of those lots shown on the arena map further to the north/right on the arena parking map closer to the river.
So between NCAA hockey, the marathon, and the Made In New Hampshire Expo, downtown Manchester will be quite the scene Saturday morning. Best advice would be to leave earlier than you might normally to allow for possible delays of any sort and just plan accordingly so you're in your seats by noon puck drop. Hopefully there won't be too many frustrated and angry fans coming in during the first period or later! But many Lowell fans know their way around Manchester and hopefully Manchester has their act together to direct, assist, and guide everyone.
Update: UML has additional information on their Tournament Central page. Looks like there's a parade on Sunday too that should be over by 2:00. Here's a
direct link to Manchester PD alert regarding roads and traffic for both days. They're estimating 6,000 people for marathon and parade Saturday and Sunday, not counting the hockey games. What fun!