Football season is almost here, and there are some new safety measures in effect that Clemson fans need to be aware of.  
On the Friday nights prior to home football games, College Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between Keith Street and Highway 93, beginning at 9 p.m. on Fridays and continuing until 3 a.m. on Saturdays. 
The Clemson City Police Department says the change will allow for better pedestrian safety.  
“Over the past years the Clemson downtown area has become increasingly more populated with both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Friday nights prior to the Saturday home game. In an effort to promote better pedestrian safety this change is a must,” the department posted on its Facebook page. 
Officials say that CAT buses will be rerouted during the closure period to pick up and drop off passengers at the intersection of College Avenue and Highway 93. Beginning at 2 a.m., buses will be placed in front of the Tiger Town Tavern and The Study Hall to load for passengers leaving downtown Clemson. 
Vehicles parked in the blocked off area will be allowed to leave, although officials are encouraging anyone parked in this area to move their vehicles prior to the 9 p.m. closing time.
And as in years past, College Avenue will be blocked off at the intersection of Highway 93 beginning at the start of the fourth quarter. As a result, no left turns will be allowed until traffic flow on College Avenue can be resumed in both directions. 
Officials also want to remind everyone that the city ordinance of no open containers is still in effect.
The first closure will begin on Friday, August 31 at 9 p.m., which is the night before Clemson’s first home game versus Furman.