May 13, 2010

Commuter lots closed May 20-21 for Special Olympics

The Iowa Special Olympics summer games return to Ames May 20-22. An estimated 2,800 athletes will compete, accompanied by more than 1,200 coaches and chaperones. The summer games also draw at least 2,000 volunteers to work the events. Opening ceremonies are Thursday, May 20 (7 p.m., Hilton Coliseum). All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact parking and transportation supervisor Aaron Steffen in the department of public safety, 4-3169.

Several campus facilities will serve as sports venues, impacting road and parking lot use. This year, the Iowa State Center commuter lots will be closed both Thursday and Friday. The CyRide orange route will be redirected through the stadium parking lots (S3-S8), where commuters are asked to park.

Road closures

Beach Road: Closed to through traffic from Lincoln Way to Wallace Road on Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21 (7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily)
South Fourth Street: Closed from Beach Avenue to just west of north entrance to stadium parking lots on Thursday, May 20 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), for bike race events

Parking lot changes

Iowa State Center lots: All lots will be closed Thursday, May 20, and the commuter lots (A3, A4, B4, B5, B6) will be closed Friday, May 21 (12:01 a.m.-5 p.m. daily). Cy-Ride will be routed through stadium lots S3-S8.
Lot 3 (north side of Beyer Hall): Saved for Lot 3 24-hour Reserve permits, Special Olympics permits and handicap permits Friday, May 21 (all day)
Lot 50A (west side of Forker Building): Saved for Special Olympics permits or handicap permits Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21 (all day)
Lots 57 and 100 (west and south sides of Lied Center): Saved for vehicles with Special Olympics permits Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21 (all day)
Lot 54 (Richardson Court residence area): Saved for Special Olympics permits and handicap permits Thursday, May 20, and Friday, May 21 (all day); lots 56 and 63 will be open