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Charlotte ready for 200,000 to attend PGA Championship next week

By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com
By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A historic golfing event for Charlotte is just a week away, and Channel 9 reporter Gina Esposito caught up with officials Tuesday morning to break down what the city is doing to alleviate any major headaches once the PGA Championship tees off.

[LINK: Fan resources for 2017 PGA Championship]

[LINK: PGA Championship]

With 200,000 people expected to attend the tournament next week, the city of Charlotte has plans in place to make sure there are few disruptions and that people are safe.

(Click PLAY to watch the city's press conference Tuesday)

The PGA Championship runs from Aug. 7 through Aug. 13, and the city expects traffic in Quail Hollow to start picking up next Thursday.

[LINK: Items not allowed]

For those planning on attending the championship, officials ask that they plan their mode of transportation now, meaning figuring out whether to take the free shuttle, the light rail or a ride-sharing service to the event.

The event takes place in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's South Division, but Deputy Chief Coerte Voorhees said Tuesday that they will bring in extra officers from around the city to provide service to the event.

Attendees can expect to see K-9 units and patrol officers on the ground, and they will also be working with the Department of Transportation to direct traffic.

"I think everyone is excited about it," said Voorhees. "We are going to be staffed up and ready to go for Monday. We will be there to take care of anything that happens." 

CMPD is also working with private security hired by the PGA to make sure spectators follow the rules that mirror other major sporting events, like Panthers games.

“The security people you will see will be very similar to the screening process and things like that,” Voorhees said.

Police also said that officers with experience in working large-scale golf tournaments plan to train less-experienced officers during the tournament.

There is a long list of items that are not allowed inside the Quail Hollow Club during the tournament, including backpacks and coolers. However, each ticket holder will be able to bring in one unopened bottle of water.

Traffic Impacts and Street Closures

In some neighborhoods surrounding the Quail Hollow Club, parking will be restricted to one side of the street.

Areas near the golf course will see increases in traffic and congestion, particularly starting Thursday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 13. People traveling in the area should allow additional time for their journeys.

Gleneagles Road will be closed to through traffic between Quail Hollow Road and Park Road from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the tournament. Charlotte Department of Transportation event staff will be on site to assist with traffic coordination.

CDOT will also have staff in the Traffic Management Center to monitor traffic conditions and to help mitigate congestion during the event.

Public Transit

The PGA has contracted private shuttles to transport ticketholders to the Quail Hollow Club golf course. Spectators should use one of the recommended transportation methods arranged by the PGA, but may need public transit to connect with the shuttles.

Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) encourages those attending the PGA Championship to take the LYNX Blue Line to the Sharon Road West Station to catch the shuttles. Riders must have a valid PGA Championship ticket good for that day and be ready to present it to fare inspectors when asked for a valid pass.

[LINK: Parking and transportation]

[LINK: Parking]

Click here for more information on parking and train schedules.

Garbage and Recycling Collection

During the tournament, the City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services will collect garbage, recycling and yard waste in the Quail Hollow area on Wednesday, Aug. 9, beginning at 4:30 a.m. All bulky waste scheduled for collection on Aug. 9 will be collected beginning at 4:30 a.m.

All waste should be prepared and set properly at the curb the night before collection. For more information on waste preparation, visit curbit.charlottenc.gov or follow the Solid Waste Services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Public Safety

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has years of experience with golf events at Quail Hollow Club. CMPD has been preparing for the PGA Championship for more than a year, collaborating with local, state and federal partners.

To ensure a safe and secure event, CMPD is prepared to prevent, mitigate and respond to any incident that may occur during the PGA Championship.

PGA Championship attendees should expect similar security measures that occur at other major sporting venues in Charlotte. They should prepare their personal transportation plan and familiarize themselves with the PGA bag policy.

There will be an increase in bus and vehicular traffic near Quail Hollow Club during the week of the PGA Championship. CMPD is staffed to respond to and minimize any traffic delays.

Emergency Medical Services

Medic will have additional Emergency Medical System resources staffed during the event to prevent any service impacts in the community.

Michael Stanford, operations manager with MEDIC, said his agency plans to work with Carolinas Medical Center at the championship.

While CMC will be tending to injuries inside, MEDIC will be there for any major incidents and emergency transports.

“We are going to start with two ambulances during the practice rounds, maybe three,” Stanford said. “We will ramp up to about 5 ambulance during the tournament.”

Those experiencing a medical emergency should dial 911.

Championship attendees should remember to hydrate before attending. Only one unopened bottle of water can be brought into the event.

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