But N.C. State officials sound confident that both events will run smoothly and can complement each other. N.C. State plays host to Florida State at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Obviously it's more festive when the fair is going on," said senior associate athletics director David Horning.

N.C. State officials hope the overlap with the fair won't cause as many traffic and parking problems on a weeknight as it would for a Saturday game, when crowds presumably would be larger.

Still, officials are encouraging fans to get to the game early to avoid rush hour traffic. Those without reserved parking are advised to car pool and may have to pay to park in private lots near the stadium.

Reserved lots for permit holders will open at 2:30 p.m. The fair opens at 3. N.C. State athletics director Lee Fowler expects some fans to attend the fair as they wait for the game to start.

"A lot of my friends like to go over there, and that's the night they will spend at the fair," Fowler said. "So I think some people enjoy that they're doing it at the same time and enjoy both of them on the same night."

McLaurin Parking Co. will operate free shuttle buses from a 20-acre field at the southwest corner of Reedy Creek and Edwards Mill roads between 2 p.m. and midnight. The buses will drop people near Trinity and Youth Center roads, outside Gate 8 of the fairgrounds and Gate B of Carter-Finley Stadium.

Event organizers at N.C. State are working together to coordinate all facets of the day, including the Fair's nightly fireworks. N.C. State officials didn't want fireworks popping off during the game.

Fair officials have agreed to hold the fireworks display at halftime, when they won't distract players and when fans can fully enjoy them.

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