This coming New Year’s Eve will be a historic occasion in that, it will be the first time people will be able to take light rail to and from Mill Avenue. This year, there will be a slight change to the area near Third Street and Mill because of it’s proximity to the new light rail stop. The area will be sectioned off to allow people to pay for or show their tickets to gain entry to the block party. There was once a thought of temporarily closing the station at Third Street and Mill because it would be inside of the block party. A decision has been made to keep the station open to allow people to ride light rail to Mill Avenue for the festivities. According to my friend at the City, it was the best decision and I would agree.
Speaking of the Insight Fiesta Bowl Block Party, it might just be THE place to be this year! “More than 100,000 party-goers annually celebrate in Tempe’s Beach Park and Mill Avenue District amidst spectacular fireworks displays and an official midnight countdown drop. With legendary rock band Styx headlining the event, more than 40 local bands and entertainers, beer gardens, dueling pianos, freestyle motocross jumpers and more”
Of course, prior to the Block Party, thousands (including some of the Rail Life crew!) will have already gathered (many riding the new light rail line) to see Kansas and Minnesota battle it out in the Insight Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Heck, if you don’t need the exercise, you can even ride the light rail from just outside of Sun Devil Stadium a couple of blocks to the Third Street and Mill Ave Station. Why not? It’s a FREE ride! 🙂
After the Insight Bowl, I’ll be heading to Monti’s La Casa Vieja on Mill Avenue for dinner. I see from Michael Monti’s blog that “Guests may purchase tickets through Monti’s for $20 each. Any guest purchasing at least 2 Block Party tickets will receive a Block Party Parking Pass that will allow them to park in the US Airways Parking garage” With the purchase of the ticket’s from Monti’s, they will be giving a discount off of your dinner of 1/2 of what you paid for the tickets. ie: You buy 4 passes for $80.00, your dinner bill is discounted by $40.00. Please see Michael’s blog for official details and to see how to purchase the tickets.
Of course, a big part of the beauty of the light rail route is that you can now get from Mill Avenue to Downtown / Midtown Phoenix to check out some of the events planned there as well. We understand that the Clarendon is having a party as well as a bunch of other cool stuff going on. So, you can probably even do some serious party hopping if that is your thing.
Remember, parking can be a nightmare. I have a list of street closures in Tempe and a list of the Park and Ride lots for you to take advantage of. I know that Tempe is encouraging people to take the light rail to the area.
On New Year’s Eve, I’ll be having a great time and will be taking the light rail to get there. I hope to see you around! After all, this New Year’s Eve. “Your Life Is On The Line!”
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