So, to be sure, there’s a great deal of interest in the inaugural game at MGM Park, but how much of the park will be open since it’s hosting its first game two months ahead of schedule? Good news, says Tim Bennett: Just about every place the general public needs to go will be open.
Bennett said this afternoon that the outdoor berm, an area suited for families, will be open, as well as all restrooms and concession areas, and all seating in the so-called bowl area.
What won’t be open: the south entrance, the suites atop the stadium. Additionally, electronics are being finalized on MGM Park’s second video screen and it’s expected to be operational come game time Saturday night.
Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich and other city leaders gathered Wednesday for a briefing on things people needed to know about the MGM Park opening this weekend.
Thousands of people are expected to descend on downtown Biloxi Saturday afternoon for the Game Day Experience and the inaugural Biloxi Shuckers game in MGM Park.
“The Game Day Experience is a chance for everyone to share in the excitement of the home opener, especially those unable to get tickets,” Gilich said. “Players, coaches and management will be at Game Day to meet with fans.
“The big thing we asking people and our downtown businesses to remember is that this is the first day. Be patient. Carpool. Arrive early. Take advantage of the free park-and-ride service that Coast Transit is providing in conjunction with our east Biloxi casino resorts.
“And, finally, we want everyone to come down and have a good time.”
Among the announcements:
— Fans should use the north entrance to enter MGM Park. The south entrance will not be used.
— Police will be positioned along U.S. 90 near the stadium to help pedestrians across the highway. Pedestrians will be allowed to cross streets only at crosswalks.
— Coast Transit will offer free park-and-ride service from all east Biloxi casinos to the game. The service begins at 5:30 in the morning and runs through 10:30 p.m. Visitors will be transported to the downtown Biloxi Transit Center, a block from the Game Day event and two blocks from MGM Park.
— The Howard Avenue section of the Vieux Marche will be closed to traffic to host the Game Day event, and portions of Howard Avenue and Caillavet Street near MGM Park will be closed to most traffic.
Your guide to Game Day Experience
Getting to know MGM Park
News and notes
10,000 and counting: The “Katrina +10” exhibition at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art welcomed the 10,000th visitor on Tuesday, 74 days since it opened on March 20. To meet Visitors 10,000 and 10,001, who were visitng from Georgia, click here.
Legally speaking: He’s still several days away from a City Hall office, city email and a direct phone line, but City Attorney Gerald Blessey has been making his share of meetings since being confirmed last week by the City Council. To read more about his position with the city and his scope of work, click here.
