GNR asks fans to arrive at the Stadium in advance

Fans attending the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup this Thursday, which will be played at the Algarve Stadium, should arrive at the venue as early as possible to avoid traffic congestion, the GNR recommended.

"A significant influx of spectators is expected in the Algarve region in the days leading up to the event, with a high volume of traffic and movement of fans expected in the vicinity of the Algarve Stadium, especially on the day of the match," said the GNR in a statement.

In this sense, the GNR, which will deploy around 450 soldiers from the Faro Territorial Command in the operation , recommends that fans travel to the stadium “as far in advance as possible”, taking into account security and access control procedures.

The doors are scheduled to open at 6:45 pm and, upon arrival in the stadium's vicinity, the GNR asks fans to "strictly respect the signs regarding access routes and spaces designated for fans of each team."

The 450-person force will ensure security and road patrol operations, as well as intervention and criminal investigation duties. Military personnel from the Intervention Unit and the National Traffic Unit will also be involved.

"The device will act preventively, but is prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents that may compromise the security of the event, ensuring the maintenance of public order and the safeguarding of people and property," the note reads.

The intensive security and road patrol operation aims to "guarantee public order and tranquility, ensure the protection of teams, referees and fans, as well as promote the fluidity of traffic at the access points to the sports venue," it adds.

According to the GNR, this operation also aims to contribute to the “ prevention and mitigation of road accidents, associated with the movement of fans and citizens in the vicinity ”, it emphasizes.

The GNR also reminds that spectators with a blood alcohol level equal to or greater than 0.8 grams per liter of blood will be prohibited from entering the stadium and that weapons and pyrotechnic material are prohibited from entering the stadium.

Regarding traffic closures, the GNR informs that, between 11 pm and 1 am, the A22 will be closed in the Portugal - Spain direction between junctions 12 and 13, offering as an alternative the circulation on National Roads (EN) 396 and 125 and, also, the Complementary Itinerary (IC) 4.

Access to the IC4 towards Faro will also be closed, with the alternative being the EN125-4 towards Esteval or the Municipal Road (EM) 520-1 towards Santa Bárbara de Nexe. Access to the Troto bypass of the EN125 and the IC4 towards Faro – Loulé will also be closed to traffic, with travel being via the EN125, it concludes.

Benfica and Sporting face each other this Thursday, at the Algarve Stadium, starting at 8:45 pm, to compete for the first trophy of the season, the Cândido de Oliveira Super Cup.