Big Events Likely Will Mean Traffic Snarls

Fri., June 9, 2000

By Mike Roarke mikero@spokesman.com

A presidential candidate, a hot country music group and graduating seniors from two high schools likely will add up to snarled traffic in downtown Spokane tonight.

If your plans this evening include a trip to the Spokane Arena, Opera House or Convention Center, budgeting more travel time might be wise.

Vice President Al Gore plans to deliver a speech to state Democratic convention-goers about 9 p.m.

Streets will be blocked off while his motorcade travels downtown from the airport.

Spokane police assisting with security did not specify what route will be taken.

Commencement ceremonies for about 300 Lewis and Clark graduates will begin at 5 p.m. in the Opera House. Shadle Park High School will hold graduation for 360 students at 8 p.m.

And at the same time that Shadle ceremonies begin, the Dixie Chicks will be playing to a sold-out crowd at the Spokane Arena.

Police Sgt. Larry Evans said some traffic lanes will be restricted around the Arena before the concert.

Southbound traffic will be blocked on Howard and Washington streets up to Mission Avenue when the concert is over.

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