Traffic and parking closures for NCAA Championship Game

Published on April 07, 2025

UPDATE: Please note, due to high winds, the watch party at Bo Diddley Plaza has been cancelled.

The City of Gainesville is rallying behind the University of Florida Gators as they prepare to compete in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship Game tonight. With excitement at an all-time high, city leaders are reminding fans to celebrate responsibly and safely.

"The energy in Gainesville is electric, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Gators,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward. “This is a time to come together as a community, cheer on our team and create lasting memories. Let’s make sure our celebrations reflect the pride and spirit of Gator Nation by keeping our city safe and enjoyable for everyone."

To enhance public safety, Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya has announced the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) will place a heavy emphasis on DUI detection throughout the night and early Tuesday morning. Patrols will focus on deterring incidents of impaired driving to reduce the risk of alcohol-related accidents.

Traffic and Crowd Control on West University Avenue

Road Closures: Beginning at 9 pm., West University Avenue will be closed to traffic from NW 13th Street to Gale Lemerand Drive, similar to the closures that occur on football game days. The road will remain closed until it is safe to reopen (likely overnight into the early hours Tuesday).

Other road closures also may be in effect around campus, as needed.

No Parking: Beginning at 12 noon, parking on West University Avenue will be restricted. This is for the safety of Midtown patrons, vehicles and personnel.

Crowds: The city will be conducting inspections of bars and nightclubs. Crowd managers are required to have an accurate count of patrons inside. Maximum occupancy limits will be enforced. Exits must be appropriately maintained and unobstructed.

Watch Party, Traffic and Crowd Control at Bo Diddley Plaza

Watch Party: To bring the community together for this historic event, the City of Gainesville is hosting a Championship Watch Party at Bo Diddley Plaza (weather permitting). The matchup, tipping off at 8:50 p.m., will be shown on a big screen, offering fans an immersive, engaging experience. This free event is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets for seating.

Road Closures: Beginning at 8 pm., the following streets near Bo Diddley Plaza will be closed for the Championship Watch Party. These streets will remain closed until it is safe to reopen (likely overnight into the early hours Tuesday).

SE First Street, from University Avenue south to SE First Avenue
SE First Avenue, from SE First Street to SE Third Street

No Parking: Beginning at 7 p.m., parking on those roads will be restricted. This is for the safety of downtown patrons, vehicles and personnel.

Safety Tips

As the Gators compete for the national title, GPD and Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) emphasize the importance of making good decisions and following the law throughout the celebrations.

Drink Legally and Responsibly: Only individuals 21 and older may legally consume alcohol. Drinking can impair judgment and lead to dangerous situations. Be aware of your surroundings. Use the buddy system to stay safe, keep an eye on friends and make sure everyone gets home securely. Never drink and drive—designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service or take public transportation.

Do Not Drive Under the Influence: Driving under the influence of alcohol or any substance that impairs judgment and reaction time is extremely dangerous, puts lives at risk and carries severe legal consequences. Always plan ahead. Use a designated driver, rideshare or public transportation. Never drive impaired. This also applies to those who have a medical marijuana license. While the card may be legal, driving under the influence remains illegal.

Fire Safety: Please be aware of two critical safety guidelines to ensure our community’s well-being. First, the City of Gainesville prohibits outdoor and open burning. Second, pulling a fire alarm without an actual emergency is illegal and dangerous. These actions endanger lives by diverting emergency services from where they are actually needed and will result in legal consequences up to a first-degree misdemeanor for the first offense and felony charges for subsequent offenses.

Respect Personal and Public Property: Vandalism, such as damaging streetlights, overturning vehicles or defacing buildings, is illegal and undermines the spirit of our community. Violators will be prosecuted.

Anyone who observes unsafe behavior or needs assistance is encouraged to call GPD at 352-393-7500. In case of emergency, dial 911.

Let’s celebrate this incredible moment with pride, unity and safety.

Go Gators!