WEST PITTSTON — The big game is coming Friday, accompanied by big plans on how to deal with what’s likely to be big numbers of spectators.
Southern Columbia, the reigning state champions, will come up to play Wyoming Area. And with both teams being undefeated in their current season, the game is expecting to bring thousands of fans to Anthony “Jake” Sobeski Field.
But that raises an important question: where will they put all their cars?
Wyoming Area athletic director Joe Pizano assured a Times Leader reporter in a phone call Thursday afternoon that there’s a plan.
Starting at 3:45 p.m. Friday, shuttle buses will transport eager fans in the nearby area to the school. Stops will be at Pride Mobility, 182 Susquehanna Ave., Exeter, and the St. Anthony Parish Center, 28 Memorial St., Exeter. The final stop will be at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center for the game.
“And it’ll just keep looping around and doing that same pickup for as long as we need to,” Pizano said.
Handicapped parking will be available near the stadium, across the street from the entrance closest to the scoreboard, Pizano said. For everyone else, the best bet might be to find parking near the shuttle sites.
Pizano said there’s a lot to be excited for, as it’s a unique opportunity for the Wyoming Area team to face off against a team that was rated last year as the best small school team nationwide.
“It’s a great opportunity for our kids to showcase their talents against this team,” he said.
According to him, the school is positively buzzing with excitement.
“The kids are enjoying it. There’s a lot of things involved,” he said. “Homecoming is this weekend. It’s an exciting time to be a high school kid.”
Police offer information
The West Pittston Police Department offered the following information on their Facebook page:
Gates open at 4pm
Kickoff is scheduled for 7pm
Parking will be available at the following locations:
• Pride Mobility – 182 Susquehanna Ave., Exeter
• Wyoming Area Baseball Field – 2nd St. and Susquehanna Ave., Exeter
• Parrish of St. Barbara, 28 Memorial St., Exeter
• Wyoming Area Secondary Center, 20 Memorial St., Exeter
• Driscoll’s Home Center – 720 Wyoming Ave., West Pittston
• Memorial Street between Erie Avenue and Penn Avenue (street parking)
• HANDICAP PARKING – Boston Avenue across from stadium entrance; limited availability and VALID, STATE-ISSUED PLACARDS/REGISTRATIONS will only be permitted to park in these spots.
• FOR MEDIA ONLY – Parking will be available on location to the rear of the visitor bleachers
Shuttle service will be available from the following locations:
• Wyoming Area Secondary Center by the gymnasium (Memorial Street, Parrish of St. Barbara’s pick up)
• Pride Mobility parking lot
Road Closures:
• Baltimore Ave. from Wyoming Ave. to Atlantic Ave.
• Atlantic Ave. from Wyoming Ave. to 2nd Street
• 3rd St. from Philadelphia Ave. to Atlantic Ave.
• Pacific Ave. from 4th St. to 2nd St.
• Boston Ave. from 2nd St. to stadium EASTBOUND will be designated for shuttle buses only.
• 4th St. from Wyoming Ave. to Chase St.
• Chase St. from 4th St. to Wyoming Ave
• Boston Ave. from 5th St. to Wyoming Ave. NO WESTBOUND TRAFFIC
