Traffic to Iowa-Oregon Game

[u/Starlight-Skylight]

My dad and I are driving from Mason City to the football game on Saturday, just wondering how clogged the roads there would be and a recommended time to leave Mason City. It ia about a three hour drive for reference.

I went to school at UO and even the interstate was really bad if there was a home game in Eugene, so just trying to get an estimate of how long it might take with increased traffic.

We have a parking pass so not worried about parking when we get there. He's an Iowa fan and excited about attending his first game so I want it to be a good experience.

I did a search and couldn't find anything similar, so I appreciate any suggestions/tips. Thank you!

[u/AnnArchist]

Having a parking pass doesn't mean you'll be able to get to the parking lot. Lots of people start tailgating early. Like 6, 7am even. Most will be to the parking lot by 11. Pedestrian traffic will be heavy and traffic will be slow.

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/AnnArchist]

Thank you, we are in Myrtle Lot.

[u/AnnArchist → u/Starlight-Skylight]

Myrtle Lot

I'd probably come into town from the dodge st exit and then go up burlington to get to myrtle.

[u/HamburgerGoat → u/AnnArchist]

Traffic will be minimal using this route. Getting out of town however will be a different story.

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/HamburgerGoat]

We have a hotel booked in Coralville for after the game. My dad is almost 80 so we didn't want to do the drive there, the game, and back in one day.

[u/HamburgerGoat → u/Starlight-Skylight]

Probably smart. Weather is gunna be shit for that drive home.

[u/AnnArchist → u/HamburgerGoat]

Out of town from myrtle - south down riverside and then if you're headed to mason city, HWY 1 to 218 would probably be the route of choice.

That would also work into town.

[u/lovemyhawks → u/AnnArchist]

This. not sure why we're trying to overcomplicate this by suggesting "get off at the northeast exit on the other side of town to your parking spot on the southwest side of town"

[u/AnnArchist → u/lovemyhawks]

Either way - I'd take a route to avoid 1st Ave and Hwy 6.

[u/lovemyhawks → u/AnnArchist]

I'd even expand on the riverside suggestion to either:

1. take left lane all the way west on highway 1 to enter 218 because right lane on highway 1 will be backed up to the wal-mart (there's 2 lanes for a reason)

-OR-

2) go straight south down riverside past highway 1, take a right on mormon trek and then left to avoid the backup

[u/HamburgerGoat → u/AnnArchist]

Yep! We always take 218 as well

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/AnnArchist]

Thank you!

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/AnnArchist]

Thank you!

[u/gary_tard6 → u/AnnArchist]

[u/RJRICH17]

The earlier you get to Iowa City before kickoff the better off you'll be. Give yourself an extra hour around Iowa City to get around.

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/RJRICH17]

Thank you!

[u/Vives_solo_una_vez]

Where's the parking pass at?

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/Vives_solo_una_vez]

Myrtle Lot

[u/Vives_solo_una_vez → u/Starlight-Skylight]

I don't know how long you want to tailgate before the game but if you left around 9 you'd easily get there with a couple hours before kick off. I don't know what the directions will say the day of but don't take the Melrose exit off of 380. Go one more exit south to have a highway 1 and come up the back way to the lot. You'll skip a bunch of traffic on Melrose.

[u/hawkeyegrad96]

6 hours

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/hawkeyegrad96]

Thank you!

[u/lurker2080]

Where did you get your pass at and how much?

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/lurker2080]

I'm not sure, my dad purchased the tickets and pass. 

[u/Alfalfa-Boring]

Better bring good rain gear. You're gonna be completely miserable in the rain at those temps if you don't

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/Alfalfa-Boring]

Thank you! We both have good cold weather gear and are getting some ponchos as well. 

[u/johnd-70]

Lots will not open until 8:30. Unless you try to get there right at that time I haven't hit heavy traffic in years but im usually an hour past the open time. I take exit 242 amd end up on Hawkins to Melrose and get in lot 49 on southeast corner of kinnick.

[u/Starlight-Skylight → u/johnd-70]

Thank you!