Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and at least two college towns are asking families to trick-or-treat a day early to stay clear of home football crowds, local news outlets reported.

The City of Norman and the Norman Police Department recommend trick-or-treating from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, the OU Daily reported in early September. News 9 reported the recommendation on Sept. 19. The University of Oklahoma hosts South Carolina in Norman on Saturday, Oct. 31, according to the school's official schedule, with kickoff set for either 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. Central time.

Norman police spokesperson Sarah Schettler told News 9 that game days require about 75 to 80 officers on traffic duty while other officers keep answering calls across the city. "It's all hands on deck when it comes to a game day here in Norman," she said. Roads around campus can close, turn one-way or jam up, and cars parked along roads and in yards can make it harder to see children, Schettler said.

The city says the Friday date is a recommendation, not a requirement, and families and neighborhoods can still decide how to celebrate, News 9 reported. City officials encourage people to trick-or-treat in their own neighborhoods, wear easy-to-see costumes and carry flashlights, the OU Daily reported.

Football has shifted other plans in Norman this fall. Norman Public Schools canceled classes for OU's Sept. 4 home opener because of game traffic, both outlets reported.

In Ames, Iowa, citywide trick-or-treating has moved to Friday, Oct. 30, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., because Iowa State hosts Oklahoma State on Halloween, KCCI reported. Iowa State's official schedule lists that game for Saturday, Oct. 31, at Jack Trice Stadium, with the kickoff time still to be announced.

What we know: Norman recommends, and Ames has set, Oct. 30 trick-or-treating because of home football games on Halloween.
What we don't: The exact kickoff times for both Oct. 31 games, which have not been announced.