Traffic backs up for Columbia Fireflies’ first game; some fans report hour-long delays

The view from above told it all.

Steve Vaughn and Judy Girard on Thursday jumped out of a plane high above Columbia and parachuted onto the field at Spirit Communications Park. On the way down, they noticed cars.

Lots of them.

"All roads leading in were blocked up," said Vaughn, a 38-year skydiving veteran. "It reminded me of the end of that movie where the cars are lined up — Field of Dreams!"

Traffic was slow as fans trickled into the Columbia Fireflies' new home for the return of minor league baseball in Columbia.

Fans said cars were backed up several blocks on Bull Street, Harden Street and Elmwood Avenue as drivers searched for parking. Some said the Bull Street campus could use more signage or parking attendants directing them to the correct lots.

Fans who arrived just as the game started said traffic held them up as much as an hour.

"Horrible," said Irmo resident Charles Elfert, who rode in on Elmwood Avenue and then Bull Street.

"I hope it gets better as the season goes along," said Mark Elam, a 24-year-old Columbia resident who arrived just before first pitch. "People don't know this area well. I feel like it'll get better as we know how to get around."

Others said the problems were to be expected.

"It's kind of the nature of the beast," said Tom Keith, a 62-year-old Columbia resident who arrived an hour before first pitch.

A few attendees, including 43-year-old Elgin resident Amy Dority, arrived hours early, hoping to take in the sights and beat the pre-game log jam.

"It's opening day, and we really wanted to come and see what it's about," said Dority, who took off from work Thursday and left for the game as soon as her son got home from school. "We are really excited."

Parking was available in lots on both sides of nearby Colonial Drive and Gregg Street, and some fans took shuttles or trolleys from the lots to the ballpark.

Norman Summers, who owns the Columbia Vista Transit System and runs the shuttles and trolleys, guessed he would provide transportation to about 40 percent of the 10,000 fans expected to attend. Slow-moving traffic kept the trolleys running at about half-speed, but some fans were willing to wait anyway, he said.

"A lot of people just wanted to stand in line and wait for the trolleys," Summers said. "They think they look cool."

Gladys Myers, a 50-year-old Columbia resident, stepped off a trolley and said she was grateful for the service. "For those of us who may be a little physically challenged, it's good to see them here."

Jackie Morgan, 68, rolled in with her husband, Jeff, who hopped off the trolley exclaiming it felt like they were in San Francisco.

"That was great," Jackie Morgan said. "It was wonderful. Everybody was so friendly."

Others, including season ticket holders who parked in premium lots close by, decided to walk instead.

"I didn't want to have to worry about finding a parking spot or riding the trolley," said Kathleen Agustin, a 30-year-old season ticket holder who arrived nearly two hours before first pitch.

Seventy-nine-year-old Columbia resident Oddie Tribble had a different reason for walking over from his general parking spot.

"I need the exercise."

Avery G. Wilks: 803-771-8362, @averygwilks

This story was originally published April 14, 2016 at 6:52 PM with the headline "Traffic backs up for Columbia Fireflies’ first game; some fans report hour-long delays."