By admin 
GOODYEAR, AZ (AZFamily) — The long-awaited opening of the first Buc-ee’s in Arizona is nearly here!
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On Monday, June 22, the new Buc-ee’s location near Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue will host its grand opening. The celebration opens to the public at 6 a.m.
To accommodate additional travelers, the city has made some changes to traffic flow that will affect not only Buc-ee’s visitors, but also residents and local businesses.
Arizona’s Family is helping plan your Buc-ee’s grand opening visit with what you might need to know.
What is the grand opening schedule?
Visitors can line up for the Buc-ee’s grand opening starting at midnight when the parking lot opens to the public.
Doors open at 6 a.m., and the ribbon-cutting ceremony starts at 8 a.m. If you can’t attend or don’t want to fight through traffic, the ribbon-cutting is set to be live-streamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels.
How can I get to Buc-ee’s?
This is the big one. West Valley travel is expected to be impacted by the new Buc-ee’s for quite some time, and the city is getting prepared. Authorities say this should be treated as a major event, not a quick stop at a convenience store.
The City of Goodyear has created a dedicated 6.5-mile travel route for opening day, which will remain as long as traffic control is necessary. Officials say drivers should expect slow traffic, sometimes at a standstill.
If you plan to go to Buc-ee’s for opening day, your only way in is by exiting I-10 eastbound or westbound at Bullard Avenue. Drivers from the eastbound and westbound off-ramps at I-10 and Bullard will be the only traffic let into Buc-ee’s, Goodyear officials said.
After exiting the freeway, drivers will be detoured along the 6.5-mile route, looped through part of the city and led directly into the Buc-ee’s parking lot. The map below shows the planned travel route.
Parking is not allowed on freeway ramps, shoulders, medians or nearby roads, and illegal parking could result in citations or towing.
City officials recommended ridesharing and carpooling to help reduce traffic congestion. Goodyear’s micro-transit program, WeRIDE, will not provide transportation services to Buc-ee’s during the week of the grand opening.
What should I bring?
First and foremost, Buc-ee’s opening day visitors are advised to hydrate before arriving and continue drinking water throughout the day. Arizona summer heat can become dangerous fast. Bring your own water bottle, as access to water may be impacted by traffic.
With high temperatures expected, officials advised against consuming alcoholic beverages, which can increase dehydration, before the event.
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Due to limited shade in waiting areas, bringing hats, sunscreen and light clothing is encouraged.
Heat is expected to be a major factor on opening day, so everyone coming to Buc-ee’s should be aware of the weather and take precautions. Visitors from out of state should know that Arizona summer heat can feel more intense than expected.
What if I need to access another business along the travel route?
Businesses, residents and travelers should expect to see a major traffic increase for an extended time. Authorities say all business access will stay open along the 6.5-mile travel route and elsewhere on Bullard Avenue.
Travelers in the area should allow for extra drive time and expect slowdowns and delays.
Local travelers not going to Buc-ee’s are advised to consider alternate routes that avoid the congestion. City officials will monitor traffic conditions in real-time for any needed adjustments.
Along with the Buc-ee’s travel route, the eastbound I-10 ramp at Estrella Parkway will be closed, along with Bullard between McDowell Road and I-10.
What’s the big deal about Buc-ee’s?
Buc-ee’s is widely regarded for its lovable beaver mascot and hot food. The chain also currently boasts the record for the largest gas station in the world at its Sevierville, Tennessee, location. Not only that, but Buc-ee’s has won “Best Restroom in America,” and if you want to operate a car wash, you can make enough to make a six-figure salary.
What else might you find at Buc-ee’s? There are walls of nuts, gummy candies and your favorite gas station snacks, but there are also many things you won’t see anywhere else.
Take, for example, Beaver Nuggets, a best-seller that’s probably best described as a sweet version of “Corn Nuts” you’ll find at the grocery store. And the food? Oh man, the food! It’s authentic Texas-style barbeque the whole way: smoked for at least 12 hours and served on a mouth-watering bun.
Feeling adventurous? Get some Buc-ee’s-branded hot sauce to take home. If you’re also looking for something to cater to that sweet tooth, you’ve got fudge, Dr. Pepper Icees and every southern grandmother’s favorite classic: banana pudding.
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