CCU’s homecoming to increase traffic in Myrtle Beach area. What to expect and areas to avoid

Coastal Carolina University will host homecoming events this weekend, potentially worsening traffic in downtown Conway and along the notoriously traffic-heavy U.S. 501.

There will be events Friday night and a football game on Saturday. Here’s what to expect as current students and graduates celebrate the university.

On Friday evening there will be events from 6 to 10 p.m. on campus, according to CCU. Live music will be played on the Prince Lawn and a trunk-or-treat will happen at the YY Parking lot from 6 to 8 p.m. Later in the night, the historically Black fraternities and sororities will host a step show from 8 to 10 p.m.

Traffic will likely backup along U.S. 501 and S.C. 544 in the evening around the start and end times of the various events.

Saturday will likely create the most disruption with the homecoming parade and game. Floats will begin lining up around 7:30 a.m. and the parade will start around 9:30 a.m. in downtown Conway, according to CCU.

The parade route will head north on Church Street, turn to go south on Wright Boulevard, turn left on to 4th Avenue and finally turn right on to Lewis Street. At the same time, the farmer’s market will be going on underneath the Main Street bridge.

The combination of events will make it difficult to drive around downtown Conway as there’s an increase in pedestrian traffic.

The football game will start at noon at Brooks Stadium, 965 One Landon Loop. This will bring more people driving along U.S. 501 and S.C. 544 around 11 a.m. as they head to the football game.

There could also be an increase in pedestrians along the roadways around the campus.