If You Plan To Go
By Steve Flinn

Record crowds of almost 300,000 are expected to attend the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club this month. For spectators attending the event, here are some important points to be aware of:

• Parking. Unless you are the governor of Pennsylvania, or a resident of Oakmont, don't expect to be able to park anywhere near the course. According to Oakmont police chief David Disanti, there will be no parking for general spectators within Oakmont Borough.
• Two large spectator parking areas will be set up to be convenient for visitors coming from either north or south. For people who placed ticket orders via the mail or internet, parking directions were sent with the recommended parking area based on the estimated arrival direction-either Pittsburgh Mills Mall or Hartwood Acres.
• Over 165 free shuttle busses will run continuously from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily from the parking areas to the course. Hartwood Acres is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike north of the city. The Mills is off Route 28. The shuttle rides will be approximately 20 minutes and will drop off spectators within 100 yards of the main admission gate.
• Local officials are also recommending for commuters to avoid Hulton Road, Freeport Road between Blawnox and Harmar, Allegheny River Blvd. and Coxcomb Hill Road between Hulton Road and Kerr Road.
• If fans are not able to attend the U.S. Open, but want to buy branded souvenirs, a pre-championship merchandise sale will be open to the public Thursday, June 7, at 10 a.m. through Sunday, June 10, at 6 p.m. at the Merchandise Pavilion at the country club. ATM machines will be located next to the Main Merchandise Pavilion and by the merchandise tent near the practice range throughout championship week.
• Fans seeking autographs will not be permitted to ask players from starting time through completion of their round, including time on the practice ranges and tees.
• Cameras and camcorders are only allowed on the course during the practice rounds, which are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The 72-hole tournament begins Thursday and ends theoretically on Sunday.
• There are no cell phones, including picture phones and Blackberrys, permitted on the course. No large bags, signs, posters, umbrella or chair covers, lawn or folding chairs, televisions, radios, coolers, bicycles, golf shoes or pets will be permitted.
• Thirteen food and beverage stations will be placed around the course, as will portable restroom facilities.
• Grandstands will be placed in strategic areas around the course and seating is first-come, first-served only.
• Due to the removal of thousands of trees, there will be more space for grandstands this year compared to 1994.
• Juniors 12 and under will be admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult ticket-holder. Spectators must stay behind the ropes at all times and admission ticket must be visible at all times, but do not attach ticket to clothing until it has been scanned upon admission.

Additional information can be found at either www.usopen.com or www.usga.org.