HEADLINE: MediaAlert
CATEGORY: Advisories
PRIORITY: Urgent

Date: Wed Jun 11, 2008 11:17:09
From: St Petersburg Information

LOOPER BASEBALL TROLLEY TO OPERATE FOR NEXT 6 RAYS GAMES - CITY ANTICIPATES BIG ATTENDANCE

St. Petersburg, Fla. (June 11, 2008) - With the Rays fighting to regain first place of the American League East against another division 2nd place Florida team (Marlins), a post game concert with popular salsa music sensation Gilberto Santa Rosa on Saturday and the Return of former Rays manager Lou Pinella who is currently coaching the division first place Chicago Cubs, the city anticipates big attendance for each of the next six games versus the Florida Marlins (June 13, 14, 15) and the Chicago Cubs (June 17, 18, 19). Transportation officials announced the city would activate the free Baseball Looper Trolley to transport fans from parking garages downtown to Tropicana Field. Additional information including a route map and other games scheduled for service this year can be found at www.loopertrolley.com/Events

The free shuttle will pick up fans at the corner of Central Avenue and Second St. It will operate beginning one and a half hour before the posted game time, until one hour after the game is over (or the conclusion of Saturday night's post-game concert). The city-owned garage accessible on First Ave. S., just east of Second St., is the designated shuttle parking facility and will cost $5. Other parking is available in the immediate downtown area. A dedicated van will be available for guests with special needs.

Fans are encouraged to arrive early in anticipation of increased traffic and parking demands. The most direct route for most motorists is via the interstate system. However, fans with local knowledge of surface level roads arriving at peak traffic periods may consider alternate routes such as Fourth St., 16th St., 20th St. and First Ave. S. Signage and police officers will help direct traffic around Tropicana Field. If all onsite parking lots are full, police and variable message boards will indicate that fans need to use overflow parking downtown. Motorists should obey all posted parking regulations.

Parking in Tropicana main lots is free for vehicles with four or more passengers; an offer by The Rays aimed to encourage fuel savings, reduce pollution and accommodate more fans in on-site parking lots.

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