CHARLOTTE, NC (February 27, 2018) – With Billy Graham’s funeral and CIAA Tournament events in Charlotte this week, AAA Carolinas warns motorists to expect delays. Graham’s funeral is Friday at the Billy Graham Library and closed to the public, but an estimated 2,300 guests are expected including President Donald Trump. The funeral is scheduled to start at noon Friday and last approximately 90 minutes.
“Rev. Billy Graham’s funeral combined with a long list of CIAA tournament games and events, could be a headache for motorists in the Charlotte area depending on what time of day they are driving, especially on Friday,” said AAA Carolinas Traffic Safety Foundation president Tiffany Wright. “It’s important for drivers to plan ahead, expect delays and exercise patience behind the wheel.”
Presidential visits can cause traffic problems, including road closures and delays. Travelers headed to Charlotte-Douglas Airport should give themselves extra time depending on their flight time departure. The Billy Graham Library is five miles away from the airport.
The CIAA Tournament games are at Bojangles Coliseum on Tuesday and Wednesday and at the Spectrum Center in Uptown Charlotte Thursday through Saturday. Most of the events related to the tournament will take place in and near Uptown, so expect large crowds and heavy traffic.
“Thousands of pedestrians will flood the streets of Uptown Charlotte and surrounding areas over the next several days as they attend games and social events,” added Wright. “Motorists need to slow down, stay alert and not drive distracted. Pedestrians must do their part as well to help ensure their safety by using sidewalks and crosswalks and paying attention as they walk throughout busy streets.”
Tuesday until 10 p.m. is the last day for the public to view Graham’s closed casket at the Billy Graham Library. On Wednesday and Thursday Graham’s body will lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol rotunda in Washington D.C., before returning to Charlotte for Friday’s funeral.
AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is a not-for-profit organization that serves more than 2.1 million member and the public with travel, automobile and insurance services while being an advocate for the safety and security of all travelers.
