Johnson said the parade is a fun event for the city, and, for the most part, if drivers plan their routes accordingly between 5:45-7:30 p.m., there should be no problems.

Although the East Lansing police and fire departments will be in the parade, East Lansing Fire Marshal Bob Pratt said there is no need to worry about first responders during the event — the road closures should not inhibit response times.

“We’re so used to things happening in town,” Pratt said.

“Whether they’re football games or presidential debates or road constructions, we know how to get around the city. It will be inconvenient, but its never stopped us in the past.”

With an 8 p.m. start and a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay broadcast, Johnson said the city should be active throughout the whole day, similar to last weekend’s football game against U-M.
Johnson said the department will be well staffed throughout the day, but students and fans should play their part in keeping things under control, especially while tailgating.

“We ask that people pay attention to the laws and ordinances for the city, which are different from on campus,” he said.

“You can drink on campus, but you can’t drink in the city, there’s no drinking allowed in the ramps or parking lots.”

MSU police Sgt. Florene McGlothian-Taylor said the GameDay broadcast, which will be held on the east side of Munn field, will be open to the public at 7 a.m., and parking will be available in the Trowbridge Road Parking Ramp starting at 6 a.m.

McGlothian-Taylor said the only items allowed into the field are blankets and signs approved by ESPN’s security team.

The broadcast ends at noon, and the audience will be cleared out immediately afterword to make room for tailgating at 1 p.m.

No alcohol will be allowed on Munn field before or after the show.

McGlothian-Taylor said night games tend to bring more issues because of limited visibility, so fans need to be wary before and after Saturday’s game.

“People need to be aware of their surroundings because it is a night game,” she said.
“Travel together, use the buddy system and drive slowly.”

Although Wisconsin fans do not generally travel as much as U-M fans, Johnson said they still have a strong following, and with Homecoming weekend bringing fans and alumni to East Lansing, parking will be at a premium.

Johnson said parking always is tight during football weekends so the city is accustomed to dealing with it, but visitors should be cognizant of East Lansing’s parking regulations.

“That’s a whole other beast there, if people are staying the weekend and they are staying with friends, they should be aware that there’s no parking on streets 2-6 a.m.,” he said.
“(East Lansing has) overnight parking, but you have to pay.”