Tough Traffic Expected Tonight in Twin Cities

There are usually many events and activities going on in and around the Twin Cities. But that's especially true tonight -- and it could cause some traffic headaches.

Just about all of Minnesota's sports teams, including the Twins, the Vikings, the Gophers and the St. Paul Saints, are all playing home games Thursday night in the Twin Cities. (Only the Lynx are off tonight-- well, and the Timberwolves and Wild haven't started their season, so they're not playing either.)

Add in the fact that country super-group, Alabama, is playing a sold-out show in the grandstand tonight at the Minnesota State Fair, along with regular Twin Cities commuter traffic, and you have the real potential for some traffic back-ups, slow-downs, and all-around headaches.

According to BringMeTheNews, officials are bracing for a big bump in traffic tonight, and are encouraging people to use mass transit to get to your destination. "Metro Transit’s spokesman tells the Star Tribune they’re expecting six-figure ridership again Thursday and will be using every bus and train car they have a driver for," the story noted.

And if you're going to chance it and take your car up Highway 52, officials say you'll want to give yourself plenty of time -- and pack along your patience, too. "A spokesman for Minneapolis tells the newspaper it might be the busiest traffic day of the year in the city and MnDot calls it a day when some soothing music might be in order for evening commuters," the story said.