MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Saturday night Big 12 matchup between the Mountaineers and Oklahoma State will be the first night contest of the season and police are asking motorists to be vigilant. Fans are asked to be Mountaineer ambassadors and treat the visiting fans and players with respect.
The undefeated start to the season and recent upset win over Virginia have increased fan excitement, and University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair is preparing to see that Saturday night. The game is a “Gold Rush” contest, so fans wearing yellow should be very visible for motorists.
“We’re expecting a lot of people to be around, so we’re really emphasizing drivers to pay attention,” St. Clair said. “Hopefully, everyone is in their gold for the Gold Rush so they stand out a little more, but drivers need to be watching out for pedestrians.”
Leave early and plan for delays on the interstate due to construction work at key points, and once in the city, watch for directions at intersections from police officers. St. Clair motorists should expect a large volume of pedestrians as you approach the stadium and in the downtown area after the game.
“I would take guidance from the West Virginia State Police in the intersections in Morgantown to make sure they get in safely,” St. Clair said. “Just be patient, we’ll get you in.”
Pedestrians should also walk without looking down at a phone or electronic device and avoid the use of headphones. Pedestrians in intersections should always use crosswalks and follow directions from troopers; never assume that a driver sees you or will follow the instructions given by police—be defensive.
“You’re really going to have to pay attention to the pedestrian because it is going to be dark out there,” St. Clair said. “So watch because people are going to be all over the place trying to get to their own cars, so just be patient.”
The UPD motorcycles will be patrolling the Blue Lot, and officers will be watching for illegal burning, and if you see something, say something. St. Clair urges fans to drink responsibly, and if you do drink, do not drive.
“I just think—pay attention, drink responsibly, take the guidance from the officers in the intersections, and have a good time,” St. Clair said. Get out of there.”