Plan Now for Oregon's Civil War Game Festivities

Police remind fans to "Leave early, be patient, keep your emotions in check, buckle up and keep a sober driver behind the wheel at all times."

Photo: Oregon State Police

(SALEM, Ore.) - In preparation for this Saturday's highly anticipated in-state ‘Civil War' football game in Corvallis, law enforcement and highway officials emphasize the importance of having a 'game plan' no matter where you are traveling.

"This is a historic game for which the battle should be played between the lines on the football field, not in the lanes of all roads leading to and from Corvallis.

"Just like coaches who stress the importance of playing smart and in control, we can't emphasize enough the importance of being smart and under control when driving," said Oregon State Police (OSP) Superintendent Timothy McLain.

With this year's ‘Civil War' being played over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, OSP has developed a game plan with area police agencies and ODOT to handle highway incidents, dangerous drivers and stadium-related problems. Extra OSP patrol troopers will step up traffic enforcement on Interstate 5 and secondary highways leading to Corvallis.

OSP Lieutenant Jeff Lanz, commander of OSP operations at Oregon State University, stressed that fan behavior before, during and after the game is everyone's responsibility. State, county and city law enforcement agencies work with Oregon State University's Department of Public Safety and security personnel with one goal: Provide an enjoyable competitive atmosphere for all spectators.

According to Lieutenant Lanz, in past Civil War football games at Reser Stadium approximately 35 people on average have been removed for disorderly behavior, possession of alcohol, severe intoxication and minor in possession of alcohol by consumption.

"It's been 44 years since OSU played for a chance to go the Rose Bowl. Don't let your emotions cause your behavior to get out of hand so you can be there in person to watch how it unfolds from the first play to the last," said Lanz.

Safety on our highways year-round is a team effort involving everyone. Oregon State Police and ODOT encourage reporting any possible intoxicated or dangerous driver by calling 9-1-1 or OSP dispatch at 800-24DRUNK (800-243-7865).

Up-to-the-minute road condition updates are available on ODOT's travel information Web site at www.Tripcheck.com or by calling 5-1-1.

For anyone who cannot access 5-1-1, road and weather information can also be accessed toll-free within Oregon by dialing (800) 977-ODOT (6368).

From outside Oregon, the long-distance number, (503) 588-2941, remains available.