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The North Carolina State Fair opens its doors Thursday afternoon. While there's much to look forward to, including new fair foods and rides, one big thing that most people will be dealing with is traffic. 

Traffic worries driving some crazy as NC State Fair begins, what to know

<p>Uh, today is fair day. We're just a little over 3 hours away from the gates opening at the state fairgrounds. WEO's Monica Casey brings down one of the big things people are going to be dealing with today, traffic. It's an exciting day here at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, but all eyes are on the roads around this area after major traffic issues earlier this week. When it comes to the fair itself, the director tells us they can handle huge numbers because this event has turnover throughout the day rather than. A concert where everyone is trying to get there at the same time. However, Billie Eilish now has a two day event at the Lenovo Center tonight and tomorrow, and that's causing some concerns. When a second large event is in the area sharing the roads, sharing the parking. It certainly, um, Impacts the experience for everyone's customers. On Tuesday night, people who tried to get into Chris Brown's concert at Carter Finlay never made it, and traffic for events could get even heavier in years to come because of planned expansion around the Lenovo Center. Fair officials say this will be a better experience for you if you plan ahead, including maybe trying to come here on a weekday rather than a weekend. Reporting in Raleigh. Casey WREL News, and this reminder today is Wolfpack Day at the State Fair. NC State students get in for just $8. All you need is your student ID at the gate. Of course we want you to visit WREL and your WRL family when you're at the state fair. We are in our usual spot right next to Dorton Arena. Dan Haggerty and Ashley Rowe will get things started this afternoon at 2 o'clock. You'll find a comprehensive guide to the State Fair on our website. Just go to WRAL.com.</p>

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