September 4, 2002 — Fans driving to Rice-Eccles Stadium for Saturday’s Utah/Indiana football game won’t have any trouble parking, in spite of the construction surrounding the TRAX Light Rail extension to the University Hospital. However, fans are encouraged to plan their trip to Rice-Eccles Stadium in advance, since larger than normal crowds are expected. Season ticket sales are up 10 percent this year over last.
The best route for fans to get to the stadium depends on which direction they’re coming from. For those fans coming from the south or east of Rice-Eccles Stadium, Foothill Drive is the best choice. Fans traveling from the north or west are advised to use 400 South for the most direct route.
Game-day parking lots directly west and east of Rice-Eccles Stadium are designated for those with a Crimson Club parking pass #1 or box/suite pass. Those fans who have a #2 parking pass will be able to park in lots north of the stadium next to Pioneer Memorial Theatre and west of the Marriott Library. Fans holding #3 parking passes can park in the LDS Institute and business loop parking areas east of the stadium and #4 pass-holders can park in lots located north of the Merrill Engineering Building and west of the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
Anyone without a parking pass can use any non-reserved lot. Free parking is available for fans at lots along the University of Utah Golf Course and University Olpin Union building, and south and east of the Huntsman Center. For parking maps and specific lot locations, please see www.UtahUtes.com and click on “2002 Event Parking.”
TRAX is also an excellent option for traveling to Rice-Eccles Stadium this season. The Utah Transit Authority is adding extra trains on game day to accommodate the large crowds. The U has also partnered with UTA to provide Rally & Ride lots at 10000 South, 5200 South and the 4th South Market (400 South 600 East), near University Line Trolley Station. Fans are invited to park in those lots as early as 2 p.m. for a pre-game party. There will be live music at the two most southern lots. UTA will be handing out free hot dogs, and Utah cheerleaders will be on-hand to cheer the fans and hand out free Ute merchandise.