SPOKANE, Wash. — Not one, not two, but four major events will take over Spokane tomorrow.
This weekend, thousands of people will descend downtown for the Spokane Velocity FC's home opener, the Chiefs game, a middle school basketball tournament and, of course, the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
“We're expecting this to be the largest parade in history," Ray Hamilton, the organizer of the St. Patrick's Day Parade said.
Hamilton is the organizer for Spokane’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He says the parade will kick off the day.
"Then maybe those other folks will stay down here and participate in some of those other things, too," Hamilton said.
All the events are expected to bring tens of thousands of people into Spokane’s downtown and stadium core, which could be a nightmare for drivers.
Spokane Public Facilities District said if you are driving, the best way to get into the stadium district is from the north. Residents can take Maple or Monroe south until you get onto Boone which get you into all the arena and stadium parking lots.
“It creates a sense of vibrancy and excitement that we can all enjoy and downtown again," Emilie Cameron, the president of Downtown Spokane Partnership said.
Downtown Spokane Partnership is an organization that focuses on keeping downtown Spokane safe and clean.
She says the best thing to do is plan ahead.
“Now, we have the parkspokane.org website, which lists all of the off street parking options, the rates, the locations. It's a very easy to use guide," Cameron said.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, Washington Street Bridge, Spokane Falls Boulevard and Main Avenue will be closed for the parade that starts at noon. Then, the Velocity soccer game starts at 2 p.m., the Chiefs game at 6:30 p.m. and a basketball tournament that’ll be at the Podium all day long.
"The main thing is just to be patient. Don't get in a big hurry and try and find someplace to park early because you're going to there's going to have to be walking to any one of those three events," Hamilton said.
The Spokane Public Facilities District said people should also look into public transit. There are bus stops near the venues.
The Spokane Public Facilities District says because the events are scattered, SPF expects parking to be available for both soccer and hockey fans. There are also nearby neighborhoods that should have plenty of free parking available.
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