WORCESTER, Mass. - A quick drive through the Canal District and you can see street parking is already in short supply.

It's a challenge the Worcester Red Sox knew they would have when they chose to build a now almost $160 million ballpark in Worcester.

Team President Dr. Charles Steinberg said, "We also understand that it's not a new environment, a new kind of parking system. It's not traditional Worcester where you drive up right in front and walk in."

The team released a parking plan Monday, citing 24 lots and more than 7,300 parking spots within a 15-minute walk of Polar Park.

The City says new signage and reorganized streets and traffic patterns will help fans find the stadium and where to park. And Steinberg says while he expects most fans will drive, he encourages alternate means of transportation when possible.

"The train is such a convenient option," Steinberg said. "To be able to take the train and get off at union station, one of the most beautiful landmarks in Worcester."

And while traffic and parking is a concern for some, it's a blessing for others, like the Bay State Brewing Company.

Bay State's Executive Chef Syd Thomas II said, "You know, traffic is a good thing. We like people. And this is only going to bring new people to our business."

The taproom is inside the Worcester Ice Center, just around the corner from Polar Park.

Thomas says they'll be offering fans a place to eat and drink on game days, and are ready for the expected boom in people. "There's a huge parking lot across the street behind my back. We have parking here and anywhere from the Ubers in the city are close," he said.

There's no denying the excitement in the neighborhood just a week away from first pitch.

Game day challenges seemed like the last thing on the minds of fans in the Canal District Tuesday.  They're just looking ahead to some baseball.

One fan said, "It's going to be great. We can't wait."

Mark Smith, who works in the neighborhood, says, "I can't wait to see all the bustle and hustle in this otherwise dreary COVID season."

The WooSox are in New Jersey playing the Trenton Thunder/Buffalo Bison through Sunday. They'll come back to Worcester next week to break in Polar Park for the first time on May 11.