Here is the latest information sent to us today from METRO concerning tomorrow's historic day. A few additions were made to our last Grand Opening Update but most of the information is the same. The Convention Center Activities seem to be the biggest thing that has been added.
Phoenix Rising: A Downtown Celebration and More – Celebrate Light Rail Grand Opening
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.
Remember, Metro has a "Zero Tolerance" policy in place for the light rail trains. In a meeting this morning, it was made very clear that safety is very important and that rules will be strictly enforced!
Congratulations on seeing the line finished! I hope to make a trip down to check it out! Living in Portland I get to enjoy the light rail here almost daily, I hope that Pheonix turns itself around (instead of continuing to sprawl endlessly) and gains some life ala the human element with better transit oriented development.
Adron, it was a great day! Thaks so much for stopping by! I hope you can make it to PHX soon.