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Patience key to Steeplechase parking
3/21/2008 12:18 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend

By KAREN DAILY
Staff writer
Sunny skies and balmy temperatures are expected to draw a large crowd to Ford Conger Field Saturday for the 42nd Renewal of the Aiken Spring Steeplechase.
The best advice for racegoers is "know your gates," said Capt. Wendell Hall, Aiken Public Safety spokesperson.
Entrance is based on the color gate indicated on vehicle passes.
The roads surrounding the field should be clearly marked, directing traffic to the appropriate entrances, he said.
Motorists who fail to pay attention to the signs can expect even longer delays, and they may be rerouted to make a full loop and reapproach the gates.
"We have said it before, but we are asking people to be patient," Hall said. "Don't leave the house at 12:30 p.m. and expect to get there for the first race."
The gates open at 9:30 a.m.
"Patience is key," he said. "If we have nice weather, we will likely have a huge crowd, and there is no way to instantly put 30,000 people in a fenced-in track, but we will do our best to keep things moving smoothly."
Parking for $15 will be available at the Powderhouse polo field.
Parking at the Aiken Training Track will be $10.
Motorists are reminded that parking in residential yards is prohibited, and a vehicle can be towed at the owner's expense.
Drivers who park outside the track and then walk to the polo field should not have open containers of alcohol with them.
"Wait until you are inside," he said. "It is illegal to have an open container of alcohol in a vehicle or to walk carrying one."
Public Safety will be cracking down on impaired drivers as well as underage drinking.
"There will be zero tolerance for anyone under 21 caught with alcohol," he said. "If we see an underage person walking in with a drink, there won't be any second chances - that person will be charged."
In addition to directing traffic, Aiken Public Safety will increase enforcement efforts after the race.
The City's traffic unit will be out for much of the day and then into the early morning.
The officers with the City's traffic team will be on patrol anytime there is a large gathering where alcohol is consumed.
The team formed to curb the number of traffic-related deaths in the area and is aggressively targeting alcohol impaired drivers.
General admission tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.
Children 6 years old and younger are admitted free.
For more information about this weekend's race, visit www.aikensteeplechase.com or call 648-9641.



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