WHEELING — Local police are expecting an increase of traffic through the Friendly City this weekend, while local businesses are looking forward to a surge in customers from the West Virginia Super Six High School Football Championship.

Three games will take place today and Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium between six teams from across the state, including Wheeling Central Catholic High School on Saturday evening.

With the influx of visitors to the city, Wheeling police will be directing traffic at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon Saturday. In addition, police will maintain a heavy presence around the stadium.

Police said smoking, alcohol and portable heaters are not permitted inside the stadium, and remind visitors to keep vehicles locked at all times. Additionally, handicap parking is limited — plan ahead. The Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack parking lot is recommended for motorists, rather than street parking.

As the Wheeling Suspension Bridge remains closed to vehicle traffic, the Fort Henry Bridge is the only direct access to Wheeling Island for motorists traveling west on Interstate 70.

Police encourage motorists to watch for merging traffic, due to heavy road work on I-70, and observe the 35 mph speed limit.

TJ’s Sports Garden office manager Tammy Derrow said they were excited for the usual influx of customers that arrive with major sports events.

“Good luck, Central!” Derrow said. “We get really busy when the teams come in, and we almost always get them because we’re the only sports bar in Wheeling.”

Across the street, Hampton Inn also is expecting increased business, both from usual holiday traffic and from Super Six.

“We always see an increase, both with Super Six, and with the holiday season, which for hotels is always a busy time,” said Taylor Smith, assistant general manager. “We’re happy and excited to see the Super Six tournament start.”

The action begins tonight as Bridgeport (12-1) and Bluefield (13-1) meet for the AA title. Saturday features two contests with unbeatens — Martinsburg (14-0) taking on Cabell Midland (14-0) for the AAA crown, and in the evening, Doddridge County (14-0) meeting Wheeling Central Catholic (9-4) for the A title.