NATCHITOCHES – Construction on a new parking lot for nearby Prather Coliseum is altering Northwestern State track and field fan and team parking for Saturday's Leon Johnson NSU Invitational.
 
The Walter P. Ledet Track Complex on Leon Johnson Lane is just west of the Prather parking lot. Fans will need to utilize nearby alternate parking locations and be prepared to walk for as much as 300 yards to reach the gate and ticket booth, located at the west end of the NSU soccer/softball parking lot.
 
The entirety of the parking lot, which encircles Prather Coliseum and also provides parking for tennis, track and field, baseball and softball home events, has been uprooted for needed improvements to the area, replacing a 50-year-old lot.
 
Signs approaching the Ledet Complex will help direct patrons to home meet parking areas.
 
Here are some areas where fans may park Saturday:

• In the softball/soccer lot south of the track complex (limited capacity and handicapped access).
• In the parking lots at the southwest and west sides of Turpin Stadium (football field), traditionally a popular location overlooking the Ledet Complex
• In the parking lots past the right field fence and scoreboard for the Lady Demon Diamond softball complex, south of the track complex, along Organizational Drive (Greek Row, across Caspari Street from the west side of Prather Coliseum)
• In the parking lots alongside Prather Coliseum on the east and west sides; access is available only at the southeast and southwest entrances

 
Signage indicates "no parking zones" for grassy areas alongside streets near the athletic complex, including in front of the adjoining Lady Demon Diamond softball complex, and those will be enforced as necessary by campus police, including potential towing of violators to assure safety for pedestrians.
 
Field events start at 10 a.m. with running at 1 in the meet that involves 10 colleges, two track clubs and some unattached competitors. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance at NSUTickets.com.