UTA expands service for 'College GameDay'

UTA expands service for 'College GameDay'

(Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)


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SALT LAKE CITY — This weekend marks what could be a historic opportunity for the University of Utah football program as it plays another nationally ranked team in one of the most anticipated matchups of the young season.

And with thousands and thousands of fans expected to converge on the U. campus, the Utah Transit Authority is launching an expanded service initiative to accommodate them all.

Besides the typical sellout crowds that usually make their way to Rice-Eccles Stadium for tailgating and to watch the game, even more people are expected to participate this weekend as part of ESPN's "College GameDay" broadcasts from the U. on Friday and Saturday.

Doug Gentile set sup for College GameDay at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)
Doug Gentile set sup for College GameDay at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. (Photo: Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret News)

To mitigate the added ridership, extra TRAX and bus service will be offered before and after the game, said Bryan Romrell, UTA assistant manager of planning. Select TRAX and bus lines will run early to transport riders to the University of Utah campus for "College GameDay," he said.

Because of the large crowds expected, UTA plans to add more trains Saturday and extend all trains running to the U. to four cars.

UTA will also be running early morning trains to get people to the stadium Saturday for "College GameDay," which airs from 7-10 a.m. Those trains will start about 5 a.m., Romrell said.

No. 5 Utah hosts No. 23 Cal at 8 p.m. in a battle of unbeaten teams. The game will be televised on ESPN.

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Beginning two hours before kickoff, some Blue Line trains originating in Draper will detour from their normal route upon entering downtown and run to Rice-Eccles Stadium, he added.

"There will also be bus options running up 400 South to help with the trains because they can get very full," Romrell said.

FrontRunner

Commuter-rail riders headed northbound on FrontRunner should depart at Murray Central Station and ride TRAX to the game, while riders headed southbound should depart at Salt Lake Central and take a direct game day bus to the stadium.

During peak times, passengers can look for trains to arrive every 10 minutes instead of the usual 20-minute weekend service, Romrell said.

Trains will run late after the game, with the last train leaving the stadium station approximately 30 minutes after the game ends, said Todd Provost, UTA light-rail general manager.

Passengers with game tickets can use them as fare for transit all day on all UTA buses, TRAX or FrontRunner, Provost said.

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