The anticipation is building as the Liga Mayor Final approaches, set to take place this Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the Estadio Jorge "El Mágico" González in San Salvador. This year's showdown will feature the Club Deportivo FAS facing off against the 11 Deportivo Fútbol Club. With over 22,000 fans expected to attend, preparations for ensuring safety and managing traffic have been set in motion.
The Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil (National Civil Protection System) has announced it will deploy more than 2,000 professionals from various institutions for the event. The aim is to keep the match running smoothly and securely, from pre-hospital care to direct safety measures. Luis Alonso Amaya, the director of Protection Civil, stated, "El dispositivo de atención prehospitalaria y seguridad estará activo desde las primeras horas del sábado 21 de diciembre, tiene como objetivo garantizar que el encuentro futbolístico se desarrolle en un ambiente seguro y ordenado." (The pre-hospital care and safety device will be active from the early hours of Saturday, December 21, aiming to guarantee the football match takes place in a safe and orderly environment.)
Starting at 6:00 AM on Saturday, traffic will be restricted on streets surrounding the stadium to allow for pedestrian movement. This includes the closure of the right lane on 49th Avenue South, north-south direction, and part of the Olímpica Avenue, between 49th Avenue South and 53rd Avenue South. Looking to facilitate emergency services if necessary, Amaya urged the importance of safety, stating: "Tendremos puestos de control en puntos estratégicos, patrullajes constantes, ambulancias y unidades de emergencia listas para intervenir de manera inmediata, si fuera necesario." (We will have checkpoints at strategic points, constant patrols, ambulances, and emergency units ready to intervene immediately if necessary.)
Traffic restrictions will extend from 2:00 PM onward, affecting the eastern part of the stadium complex, including key routes such as 6-10 West Street and lanes along Alameda Roosevelt, along with all internal streets of the Flor Blanca neighborhood. Meanwhile, alternative routes will be provided via Boulevard Venezuela, 25th Avenue South, and other peripheral roads to ease congestion.
The Viceministerio de Transporte (Ministry of Transport) has detailed these traffic management plans, emphasizing the significant alterations expected on the day of the event. They noted, "A partir de las 6:00 AM del sábado 21 de diciembre habrá cierres en las calles del perímetro del estadio Jorge 'Mágico' González porque estará destinada a la movilidad peatonal." (From 6:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, there will be closures on streets surrounding the Jorge 'Mágico' González Stadium because it will be dedicated to pedestrian mobility.) This effectively means vehicles will need to be rerouted early to avoid disruptions as the stadium fills with enthusiastic spectators.
Fans attending the Liga Mayor Final are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities to enjoy the event responsibly. Government officials are hopeful this final will not only deliver excitement on the pitch but also showcase the successful coordination of safety and traffic management efforts.
Altogether, the engagements put forth by the various agencies involved reflect the dedication to ensuring the match concludes seamlessly for players and fans alike. Should the public heed these recommendations and adhere to designated routes, the Liga Mayor Final promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Salvadoran football history.
