managing travel for planned special events - FHWA Operations ...

INTRODUCTIONIn order to guide the user, this chapter addressesfour key topics, corresponding tofive phases of managing travel for plannedspecial events, including: (1) event operationsplanning, (2) implementation and dayof-eventactivities, (3) post-event activities,and (4) program planning. In planning forall planned special events in a region, thefinal section on program planning highlightsissues to consider that evolve from and/orpertain to discrete/recurring events at a permanentvenue. By following each one of thesteps and procedures, the user will haveidentified and covered all the significant aspectsthat are necessary to result in successfulmanagement of travel for a planned specialevent with characteristics specific to adiscrete/recurring event at a permanentvenue.A discrete/recurring event at a permanentvenue occurs on a regular basis at a sitezoned and designed specifically to accommodateplanned special events. Table 11-1indicates different types of planned specialevents classified as a discrete/recurringevent at a permanent venue. This categoryincludes events that occur in urban and metropolitanareas, and the rural event categoryincludes discrete/recurring events at a permanentvenue that take place in rural areas.Table 11-2 lists key characteristics of a discrete/recurringevent at a permanent venue.Table 11-1Types of Discrete/Recurring Events at aPermanent VenueEVENT TYPE• Sporting and concert events at stadiums andarenas• Concert events at amphitheatersTable 11-2Distinguishing Operating Characteristics ofa Discrete/Recurring Event at a PermanentVenueCHARACTERISTIC• Specific starting and predictable ending times• Known venue capacity• Advance ticket sales• Weekday event occurrencesSpecial ConsiderationsIn light of the characteristics of a discrete/recurringevent at a permanent venue,special considerations when planning suchan event include:• Permanent venues located in urban areasusually have exclusive off-street parkingto accommodate capacity events, andgood access exists between venue parkingareas and freeway/arterial corridortraffic flow routes serving the venue.• In metropolitan areas, permanent venuesoften feature high-capacity connections(e.g., transit) to the transportation systemserving the region.• Parking areas at many permanent venuesexist immediately adjacent to the venue,creating a more self-contained site trafficcirculation and pedestrian access environmentsimilar to other major, permanenttraffic generators (e.g., airports andregional shopping centers).• These events generate high peak arrivalrates because of event patrons’: (1) urgencyto arrive at the venue by a specificstart time and (2) possession of a reservedseat ticket that does not requireearly arrival.• Special events that have general admissionseating or permit tailgating havelower, yet pronounced, peak arrivalrates.• Discrete/recurring events at a permanentvenue end abruptly, thus creating high11-2