The Championship fan zone celebrating the college football national title game opens Friday in downtown Phoenix.

The event takes up several blocks and goes through Sunday. City officials want people to use light rail to get downtown, said Monica Hernandez with Phoenix’s transportation department.

Those who choose to drive can call Phoenix ambassadors for parking updates at 602-495-1500. 

“They are going to spot checking the different parking facilities and they will have real time information with respect to parking availability,” Hernandez said.

Motorists should enter downtown from the west or south, and should try to avoid Seventh Street. Major downtown streets are expected to remain open. But large crowds could force closure of Washington Street.