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CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - As Panther fans make their way to the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls for Saturday's (Sept. 6) season-opener football game against the University of South Dakota Coyotes, they may want to leave a little early to allow for increased traffic and a change in accessibility from some directions.

Currently, the eastbound lanes of University Avenue are closed between Campus and Tremont Streets, allowing one lane traffic in each direction using the westbound lanes. Construction is scheduled to continue in this area for another eight to 10 weeks. College Street is also closed, between and including both the 22nd and 23rd Street intersections, further limiting travel routes.

UNI Public Safety Director David Zarifis suggests patrons may want to utilize Highways 380/20 and 218/27 to Hudson Road, Greenhill Road or West First Street, among other routes, and avoid the affected sections of both University Avenue and College Street.

Saturday's game also marks the first game since UNI became a smoke-free campus on July 1, in compliance with state law and patrons are reminded that smoking is prohibited anywhere on the UNI campus, including its parking lots. Zarifis also reminds game-goers that the legal drinking age is 21 and alcohol may not be brought into the Dome. Tailgaters are reminded that no kegs, glass bottles, open fires or smoking are allowed in any of the campus lots.

Heather Costello, director of the University Events Complex, said tailgate rules allow celebrations to begin up to four hours prior to kick-off -- 4:05 p.m. for Saturday's game -- and should conclude by 15 minutes prior to kick-off. They also are allowed for up to one hour after the game. Each party is also requested to pick up its own litter.

Due to anticipated crowds, patrons may wish to park south of University Avenue, across from the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, near the Industrial Technology Center (ITC). [See ITC lot area map at www.uni.edu/infosys/fcampusmap/quad2b.shtml.]

A shuttle bus will run continuously, beginning at noon through one hour after the game, from the ITC west lot to the drop-off site east of the Communication Arts Center. Patrons can then proceed through the building's courtyard and across the Hudson Road overpass to the Dome. Golf cart shuttles will also be working the UNI-Dome lots, dropping off at the west Dome entrances.