Phoenix Rising: A Downtown Celebration and More

Celebrate Light Rail Grand Opening in Phoenix

METRO light rail will roll into Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 27, and the city will celebrate with multiple free events along the Phoenix alignment.

Join Mayor Phil Gordon and City Council members as they kick off “Phoenix Rising: A Downtown Celebration,” sponsored by CityScape and main stage sponsor State Farm, with a ribbon cutting at 9:20 a.m. at the Third and Washington streets platform. This event kicks off the station celebrations held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free rides along the entire alignment.

“Phoenix Rising: A Downtown Celebration” will include an NBA All-Star interactive area, Arizona Diamondbacks interactive area, Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders, live radio broadcasts, two stages with live bands, an original Phoenix Trolley display, food, and downtown area businesses located near the light rail alignment.

Following the light rail ribbon cutting, Mayor Gordon will cut the Phoenix Convention Center ribbon at 10 a.m. on Third Street, north of Washington Street, under the pedestrian sky bridge. The doors of the new North Building will open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for an open house. The Convention Center will host an indoor main stage in the North Ballroom, exhibitions including activities, music, local arts and nonprofit organizations, local businesses and restaurants in the main exhibition hall, face painting, street performers and more.

The grand opening celebration continues at Encanto Boulevard and Central Avenue with the “Arts Experience Celebration,” sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Arizona featuring live entertainment with performances by Azteca de Oro Mariachi, Yellowbird Indian Dancers, hands-on crafts for children and more.

Campbell and Central avenues will feature live entertainment with performances by Billy Cioffi Band, James Kole and CTS.

Thomas Road and Central Avenue is the site of the “Health and Wellness Celebration,” sponsored by St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center featuring a health and wellness fair, live entertainment with performances by Jonni and Brookie, Billy Cioffi Band and David Bernstein.

At 19th Avenue and Montebello, the start of the line, “A Better Tomorrow Starts Today Celebration,” is sponsored by APS with live performances by EastonAshe, Screamin’ Javelinas, Carmela y Mas and local businesses and community group exhibitors.

The event at 44th and Washington streets, sponsored by Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, features the debut of the “Phx Airport Shuttle,” a children’s area with face painting, free snacks and a special craft activity sponsored by Pueblo Grande Museum.

Ride Free:

• 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 (station celebrations held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
• 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 (no station celebrations)
• Dec. 29, 30 and 31 – for details visit metrolightrail.org

End-of-line Policy:

All trains will be cleared of passengers when they reach the end-of-line at 19th and Montebello avenues in Phoenix or Main Street/Sycamore in Mesa to allow other guests to board.

Grand Opening Bus Shuttle:

Guests can skip the train queue lines and take advantage of free bus shuttles. METRO, in partnership with the cities of Phoenix, Tempe and Glendale as well as Valley Metro/RPTA, are offering free local and express bus shuttling service to alleviate long waits and give guests options. Bus shuttle service will be provided every 3 – 5 minutes both Saturday, Dec. 27, and Sunday, Dec. 28. Local shuttle service will parallel the light rail route and stop near each station at existing, adjacent bus stops. Express shuttle service will support the ends of the light rail line – 19th and Montebello avenues in Phoenix and Main Street/Sycamore in Mesa – traveling the freeways to connect more quickly. The bus shuttles will have special placards in the windows and bus shuttle stops also will have signage to help people navigate.

Note: regular bus service will continue as usual that weekend; standard fares apply.

Phoenix Street Closures/Restrictions:

• Third Street from Jefferson to Monroe streets, closed at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26
• Washington Street from Fifth to Second streets, closed at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26
• 19th Avenue from Camelback to Bethany Home roads, restricted at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27
• 19th Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Bethany Home Road, restricted at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27
• Montebello Avenue from 19th Drive to 1800 West Traffic Circle, closed at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.

**All closures and restrictions will re-open at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27.

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