Date:

August 19, 2004

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Captain Joy Citta, Police Department, 441-7751

Scott Opfer, Public Works and Utilities, 441-7851

Lincoln Mayor Coleen J. Seng today welcomed visitors to the Capital City for the upcoming State Fair and UNL Husker football games. The Mayor also issued traffic and parking reminders to help visitors reach their destinations safely. The State Fair runs from August 28 through September 6, and the Huskers’ home game opener is September 4.

“This is one of the most exciting times of the year in Lincoln, and it’s very important for the City to make visitors feel welcome,” said Mayor Seng. “Most major routes in the City are now open, but we continue to have several projects under way, including Antelope Valley. We encourage visitors to plan ahead to find the best routes and to allow a little extra time to reach their destinations.”

State Fair traffic should use the 27th Street entrance to fairgrounds. Work continues on State Fair Park’s 14th Street entrance, and there is no public parking on the west side of the fairgrounds. More information on the state fair is available at www.statefair.org.

The State Fair parking lots will not be available for football fans to use for the September 4 game. Those coming from out of town for the game are encouraged to use Highway 2, Highway 6, Highway 34, West “O” and the West Bypass. Those who intend to park in the lots at the Haymarket Park baseball and softball complex should use the airport exit, and those parking in downtown should use the 9th Street exit. Downtown parking meters are enforced from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturdays.

The City now offers pre-paid, reserved event parking in its garages through the City Web site, lincoln.ne.gov, or through parkitdowntown.org. Garage locations are fees are:

• City-County, 10th and “K” streets - $6
• Carriage Park, 1128 “L” Street; Center Park, 1120 “N” Street; and Cornhusker Square, 1220 “L” Street - $9
• Haymarket, 9th and “Q” streets; Iron Horse, 7th and “Q” streets; Market Place, 10th and “Q” streets, Que Place, 1111 “Q” Street; and University Square, 101 North 14th - $11.

For those who do not pre-pay, game-day parking in City garages is $10, except for Center Park and Carriage Park ($8) and the new City-County garage ($5). Maps and other parking information are available at lincoln.ne.gov and or by calling the parking office at 402-441-6472.

Parking also is available in the University facility at 17th and “R” streets for $10. Public parking on the UNL campus is available at 16th and Court streets, just south of the Devaney Sports Center for $10.

In addition to its regular routes, StarTran will offer its Big Red Express service on game days from seven locations:

• Westfield Shoppingtown (Gateway), 6100 “O” Street, south side between Steve& Barry’s and Granite City
• Home Depot, 27th and Cornhusker, northwest corner of lot
• SouthPointe Pavilions, 27th and Pine Lake Road, west side of Von Maur
• Holmes Lake, 70th and Normal, north side
• Southeast Community College, 8800 “O” Street, south side
• State Department of Roads, 14th and Burnham, north side
• North Star High School, 5801 North 33rd Circle, south and east lots

Buses begin operating two hours prior to kick-off. They will leave from the east side of the stadium immediately following the game. The cost is $3 each way for adults and $1 each way for children age 12 and under, and passengers will need exact change. Big Red Express season ticket packets, good for round-trip travel for all six home games, are available for $30, a savings of $6. They are available at StarTran, 710 “J” Street; Nebraska Bookstore, 1300 “Q” Street; Big Red Shop, Westfield Shoppingtown; and SouthPointe Pavilions office, just east of the south entrance to Barnes & Noble.

“For football games, we encourage residents and visitors to head for downtown early,” said Mayor Seng. “The Haymarket Farmers Market is open Saturday mornings through October, and there are many other great places to shop and eat before its time to head to the stadium.”