Raleigh drivers warned of heavy traffic as Guns N' Roses, Noah Kahan play Carter-Finley

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Thousands of fans are expected to head to Raleigh over the next few days as two major concerts take over Carter-Finley Stadium.

Rock icons Guns N' Roses are scheduled to perform Thursday, followed by folk-pop star Noah Kahan on Saturday.

The concerts are expected to create significant traffic around the stadium and surrounding roads, prompting organizers to encourage concertgoers to plan ahead.

Traffic concerns aren't new at Carter-Finley. During a Chris Brown concert in October, traffic backups around the venue became so severe that some fans reported missing parts of the show while trying to get inside.

What concertgoers need to know

If you're attending either show this weekend, organizers recommend:

• Plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
• Parking lots open at 1:30 p.m. for both concerts.
• Expect heavy traffic between 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Arrive early to avoid peak congestion and long wait times.
• Purchase parking in advance to speed up entry into parking areas.

Officials say arriving well before showtime is the best way to avoid delays and ensure you make it to your seat before the music starts.

Drivers who are not attending the concerts should also expect heavier-than-normal traffic around Carter-Finley Stadium and nearby roads Friday and Saturday.