Football traffic alert: heavy trucks should avoid stadium area

Ohio State University officials are announcing new security procedures that will be in effect for all home football games. Law enforcement agencies will establish security checkpoints around the stadium to prohibit large trucks from coming into the immediate stadium area.

The checkpoints will likely slow traffic in the immediate area around the stadium. Fans who park in the permit lots and garages on campus, especially near the stadium, should have their parking pass clearly visible and allow additional time.

Since the majority of students do not return until classes begin on Sept. 22, officials expect heavy traffic for the first two games. There is ample public parking on West Campus for fans that do not wish to deal with the central campus traffic slowdowns expected to result from the checkpoints.

The new measure is not in response to a specific threat. Increased security at large venues is a fact of life post-9/11, and Ohio Stadium is no different. University officials earlier announced plans to increase security personnel at each gate to check for prohibited items, check student identification and assist with orderly entry into and out of the stadium.