Chapel Hill leaves all roads open for Halloween football clash
Police and university staff will manage the 7:30 p.m. matchup against Miami without closing any streets to traffic.
By Stella Brooks ·
Chapel Hill police did not close any roads on Saturday for the University of North Carolina football game against the University of Miami. The matchup began at 7:30 p.m. at Kenan Stadium and coincided with a large Halloween gathering in the town center.
Chapel Hill officials said they are handling the event like a standard home game. They are using UNC officers and North Carolina State Troopers to direct traffic in and out of the stadium. No special road closures were put in place for the evening.
Lieutenant Jason Belcher of the Chapel Hill Police Community Services Department told reporters that safety is the main goal. He said the department wants to keep trick-or-treaters and pedestrians safe while ensuring the crowd has a good time. He noted that the police are treating the night like any other Halloween.
Police asked residents to wear reflective gear or bright costumes. They also told drivers to watch closely for pedestrians on the streets. Officers reinforced the need for responsible drinking and suggested using rideshare services to get home.
Groups of fans dressed in costumes and Carolina blue took to the streets before kickoff to show support for the team. WRAL News crews are stationed on Franklin Street to watch the conditions as the game proceeds.
