Event weekends can slow traffic in Midtown, the heart of the city

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Tens of thousands of people will gather in the city of Bluff this Memorial Day weekend.

In anticipation of a busy weekend, city leaders are asking drivers to be both aware of what’s happening this weekend and to be patient.

“Slow down, don’t fast,” said Col. Marcus Worthy of MPD’s Traffic Division/Special Operations. “The slower you go, the more efficiently you’ll get there.”

Road closures will begin at noon Saturday in downtown Memphis in preparation for the 2023 Great American River Run.

The Great American River Run begins and ends at Beale & Fourth Street with the first run at 7:30.

It snakes through downtown Memphis, past the National Civil Rights Museum, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and over Harbor Town, Peabody Place to FedExForum.

Expect detours until 1 am

“We just want to remind people to be smart while we’re active driving and observing campus,” said Thomas Carrier, general manager of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

From downtown to Midtown, traffic is also likely, especially near Liberty Park.

“It will be easier and more pleasant for you if you avoid these answers,” said Colonel Worthy.

Along with the Memorial Day celebration, the city still hosts the Bluff City Showcase, the Nike EYBL tournament, and after the home game for the Memphis Showboats on Sunday.

To accommodate large crowds, Liberty Park offers parking in the building and surrounding lots.

Public parking is available for $10, and Tobey’s shuttle service from South Hollywood starts at noon for $5 per ride.

Along with the presence in the parking lot, city authorities say that the safety of cars is also a priority.

“One of the things we want to emphasize is if you’re coming to the event, put your belongings in your car before you arrive,” said Colonel Worthy. “Look, don’t show it. That way, if it’s not on your car, they won’t see it, so you don’t have to worry about damage to your car.

“In addition to all the security information that Colonel Worthy has released, campus security is active for all parking areas, but we really want to remind people to be smart,” Carrier added.

For a full list of packages and parking downtown, Click here and in Midtown Click here.

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