The Rock the Country traveling festival brings Kid Rock, Jason Aldean and an expected audience of more than 20,000 fans to The Grounds in Mobile this weekend. Here’s what you need to know if you’re going, or just trying to drive through the area.

TRAFFIC

Routes leading to The Grounds, at the intersection Cody Road and Ziegler Boulevard, tend to back up for major events. If you’re not actually headed for The Grounds during afternoon or evening on Friday, June 21, or Saturday, June 22, it might be wise to detour around the area at peak times. (Gates open at 3 p.m. daily, music starts at around 4 p.m. and major acts go on around 5-6 p.m., with headliners starting at 9-9:30 p.m.) As at a 2021 Morgan Wallen concert, one way organizers are trying to alleviate traffic jams is by opening parking lots early for tailgating. Parking opens at noon daily.

The Mobile Police Department has issued the following statement: “We have no plans for enforcement operations this weekend. However, we will play a significant role in controlling the traffic flow in and out of The Grounds property. Both traffic squads will work on this assignment on Friday and Saturday, and we will be supplemented by additional personnel placed on orders. These will be separate from those placed on orders to work security inside the venue. We have two different traffic plans depending on the vehicular flow. We will monitor the traffic flow and be prepared to implement the appropriate traffic pattern as needed.”

The Mobile PD also released a video for those headed to the event:

MEDICAL/HEAT

At the previous Rock the Country event, held June 7-8 on Ocala, Fla., heat contributed to some issues: A spokesman for Marion County Fire Rescue told the Ocala Gazette that over two days, the department treated more than 475 people for problems related to “heat-related illnesses, falls and intoxication,” and took 32 patients to local hospitals. That’s with an estimated crowd of nearly 40,000.

It’s going to be hot in Mobile, too, with highs in the mid-90s both days. The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department released a statement about its plans: “The Mobile Fire-Rescue Department will be providing emergency and medical coverage for the upcoming Rock the Country event. More than 20 paramedics and EMTs from MFRD will be on duty for the event, with 2 ambulances, 2 mini ambulances, 2 golf carts, walking teams and a mini fire suppression unit staffed to help out. In addition to the regular coordination and planning for special events with all agencies involved, MFRD has prepared to handle additional heat-related calls if they need should arise.”

Festival organizers are encouraging fans to stay hydrated. Going into the Ocala event, even headliner Kid Rock offered some advice via social media on that point: “YES, there is gonna be some Florida heat to deal with! I am not one to tell people what to do, but what I DO when I am drinking beers on a hot day is the 3/1 rule…For every 3 beers I drink, I slam one water … Seriously, that sh– works for me!”

TICKETS

Tickets are still available through https://www.rockthecountry.com/mobile. Single-day passes start at $79.99.

SCHEDULE

Friday, June 21:

*Dee Jay Silver between all sets*

● Noon: Parking Opens

● 3 p.m.: Festival Doors Open

● 4:10 p.m.: Gavin Adcock

● 5:20 p.m.: Uncle Kracker

● 7:05 p.m.: Big & Rich ft. Gretchen Wilson

● 9:10 p.m.: Kid Rock

Saturday, June 22:

*Dee Jay Silver between all sets*

● Noon: Parking Opens

● 3 p.m.: Festival Doors Open

● 3:35 p.m.: Trippp

● 4:05 p.m.: Sadie Bass

● 5 p.m.: Tyler Farr

● 6:15 p.m.: Randy Houser

● 7:45 p.m.: Brantley Gilbert

● 9:35 p.m.: Jason Aldean

BAGS

Clear bags are not required. However, all bags will be subject to search at the festival entrances, and patrons will pass through metal detectors.

PROHIBITED

According to the festival website, prohibited items include guns, knives, or weapons of any kind; outside food or beverage; tents or umbrellas; animals; illegal substances; laser pointers; chains/chain wallets; fireworks; flags; and professional cameras, video cameras, or audio recording devices.

ALLOWED

Sunscreen; hats; phones and chargers; empty water containers for use at the water stations; towels; non-professional cameras; small to medium bags; medicine (in approved containers); blankets or lawn chairs for use in the chair zones.

COOLERS/CONCESSIONS

Patrons are not allowed to bring coolers into the event. Organizers say they have “a diverse selection of over 25 food and beverage vendors ready to serve you, offering everything from Southern barbecue to hamburgers, lemonade, Greek food and more.”

RE-ENTRY

Re-entry to the concert area is allowed if you have a car camping or RV wristband. However, for those without these specific wristbands, entry is allowed one time per day.