Final preparations are fully underway on the Emporia State campus to host a good chunk of the Unbound Gravel field for lodging and at least some meals.
On KVOE’s ESU Buzz on Thursday, Residential Life Director Cass Coughlin said he’s expecting over 600 Unbound riders — or about 15 percent of the total Unbound field — to stay at Emporia State residence halls beginning Wednesday.
Coughlin says riders staying in the dorms — Schallenkamp, North and South Towers, Singular and Trusler — can take advantage of meals on campus beginning Thursday. Riders are being asked to make goodwill donations to a scholarship effort through ESU and LifeTime.
Coughlin says ESU has been working hard not to siphon demand from hotels, AirBnBs and other lodging. Having said that, most rooms filled up within 30 minutes after they were officially available.
Meanwhile, Emporia Police is reminding residents of street closures in downtown Emporia, either for the Unbound Gravel Expo beginning Wednesday or for the Finish Line Celebration beginning at 4 am Saturday. The lists are found below.
Unbound Gravel Expo road closures
*600 and 700 blocks Mechanic
*10 block and 100 blocks of E. 7th Avenue
*10 block of E. 8th Avenue
Unbound Finish Line Celebration road closures and other adjustments
*600, 700, 800, and 900 blocks of Commercial
*10 block of W. 7th from Commercial to the Alleyway
*10 block of E. 7th
*10 block of W. 8th from Commercial to the Alleyway
*10 block of E. 8th from Commercial to the Alleyway
*10th block of W. 9th from Commercial to the Alleyway
*10 block of W. 10th from Commercial to the Alleyway
*No traffic will be allowed to cross Commercial Street in an east/west direction at 10th Avenue or 11th Avenue.
*No left-hand turns can be made at 11th Avenue and Commercial Street.
*Traffic lights at 12th Avenue and Commercial Street will be on flashing red.