The National Football league is going to kick off the opening of the season with an event in Times Square on Thursday, Sept. 5. There will be a free concert, from about 4pm to 8pm, featuring Bon Jovi, Eve and Alicia Keys and Enrique Iglesias. For detailed information go to www.timessquarebid.org. You won’t be allowed into the Times Square area if you are wearing a backpack so leave it at home or in your hotel

What happens if you are arriving at that time and trying to get to your hotel with luggage?

A word to those with theater tickets - shows will start at 8:30 instead of 8pm

Traffic will be an awful mess since Broadway and 7th Avenue traffic will be diverted and crosstown streets from 43rd to 48th and from 6th Avenue to 8th AVenue will be closed. How you will be able to get to hotels in the closed areas is beyond me - don't even know if anyone has given thought to this problem. I have heard that some business offices will be sending employees home early.

An interesting question about getting to a hotel in the area of the festivities. 6th Avenue will be open to traffic as will 8th Avenue so if a hotel is in the affected area you would have to walk at a block or less to the hotel. The police will obviously check packages being carried by people into the area. I don’t think they will let luggage past unless it has been inspected. How this is going to be done on the street is beyond me

Will I be able to get to my hotel after the streets have been closed?

If you are staying in a hotel on one of the streets that has been closed, just tell the NYPD officer on duty at the checkpoint on either Sixth Avenue or Eighth Avenue, whichever is closer to your hotel. You will be directed or escorted to your hotel.

If your destination is on one of the three designated transverse streets (42nd, 45th or 47th Street), you will be permitted to cross Broadway and Seventh Avenue if necessary.

We recommend that, if possible, you bring proof of your destination with you (e.g. your hotel room key or receipt if you have one).


This came of the website
http://www.timessquarebid.org/NFL/default.htm
Frequently asked question section

Oh Crap! I just read the FAQ on the Times Sqaure BID site. This sounds like a huge nightmare. All for a Bon Jovi concert?!? Yech! I have just asked my boss for the day off - I don't want to get stuck in that swamp.