The Troy Police Department will have an increased presence during Troy University’s Commencement Ceremony this week, Troy Police Chief Danny Barron said.

Barron said the weekend’s activities will kick off Friday night with a live band at the square in downtown Troy at 6 p.m. On Saturday morning, the annual Troy University Homecoming Appreciation Day Parade will be held at 10 a.m., followed by the homecoming game against the Trojans. Coastal Carolina. The match is scheduled to start at 15.00

Barron said visitors and locals should take extra preparations and precautions this week because so many people will be coming to Troy for Homecoming.

Barron said drivers should plan for extra travel time to their destinations as traffic around Troy will be busier than normal. He said delays were to be expected around the city and especially in the university area.

Barron also said drivers should obey all traffic laws, as well as be aware of pedestrian traffic. He urged drivers to be extremely careful and watch out for pedestrians, especially on game day on the Troy University campus.

Barron said local law enforcement is aware of shootings that have occurred at other campuses during homecoming this season and is prepared to handle any incidents that arise. One person was killed and five injured in a homecoming weekend shooting at Albany State University in Georgia, and four people were shot in two active shooter incidents during North Carolina Central University’s “Ultimate Homecoming Experience.”

“To those coming from out of town looking to cause trouble: Consider this your warning,” Barron said. “Any attempts to disrupt the festivities or engage in criminal behavior will not be tolerated. Law enforcement is fully prepared. We have the full support of local, state and federal agencies, and the district attorney’s office is prepared to prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law. “If you come here looking for trouble, you will face zero tolerance.”

Barron also said the following streets will be closed during Troy’s homecoming on Saturday, November 2:

• South Three Notch Avenue from U.S. Highway 231 to West Madison Street will be closed starting at 8 a.m. and will remain closed until the parade ends
• West Madison Street from Hanchey Street to South Three Notch Street will be closed starting at 8:30 a.m. and will remain closed until the parade ends
• South Three Notch Street from West Madison/Montgomery Street to Elm Street will be closed from 9:30 a.m. until the end of the parade.
• On the morning of the parade, the streets around the downtown square and the interior parking area will be closed.