As Diamondback fans rave about taking light rail to games at Chase Field, one can't help but imagine what MLB would be like in PDX with our vastly superior rail and streetcar network... and also how MLB could help to lure drivers to choose alternative transit more often in PDX. -TCL


Link to AZCentral.com article (please click link, thanks)

Light rail helps take fans out to the ballgame
Up to 6,000 fans used trains on D-Backs' Opening Day, Metro says
by Jim Walsh - Apr. 11, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Metro light rail is a big hit so far with Arizona Diamondbacks fans, who jammed trains as if they were in Boston, New York or Chicago for the first week of games.

Fans formed a sea of Sedona red hours before Opening Day on Monday as they lined up at fare vending machines at Mesa's Sycamore station, and they kept coming through the team's three-game home stand against the Colorado Rockies.

Throughout the week, many fans seemed to struggle with using the ATM-like fare machines. Many said it was their first ride on Metro.
Metro estimated that 5,000 to 6,000 fans used the trains for their trip to and from Chase Field on Monday. The process repeated itself, but in smaller numbers, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I think that's going to be a trend. It will be an established ritual in the East Valley," said Mike James, Mesa's deputy transportation director.

Metro is installing two additional fare boxes near the operations building at the Mesa Transportation Center to reduce long lines, James said. They will be positioned to reduce glare on the screens of the fare machines.

A number of fans said they drove long distances from east Mesa, Gilbert and Apache Junction to park at the Mesa station and ride the train to the game.

"It's convenient. It saves on parking. It's right at the ballpark. It saves time and money," said Art Gracia of Mesa, who was wearing a Chicago Cubs hat to the Diamondbacks game.

Larry Coffelt of Mesa used Metro for the first time Wednesday. "It's a novelty. It's real convenient. You can get off and not worry about driving and parking," he said.

Jose Valencia of Mesa went green, riding a bicycle to the Sycamore station and taking the light rail to the game. "It's cleaner for the environment, and we all have to protect our Earth," he said.

Even Mesa Mayor Scott Smith rode Metro to Opening Day. He was happy that it was difficult to find a parking space at the park and ride lot.

"That tells me there is a demand," he said. "We just took 1,000 cars off the road."

Hillary Foose, a Metro spokeswoman, said administrators viewed the Diamondbacks' first home series as a test for special events and an opportunity to make a good first impression on new riders.

Extra trains were brought in to make sure fans wouldn't have to wait too long after games. Foose said trains will run as long as necessary to serve fans, even if games go extra innings and extend past 11 p.m., when Metro normally wraps up service.

"If you took a train to the game, you'll get one back," she said.

Metro also used three-car trains for the first time to serve baseball fans attending the first home series, Foose said.

After Tuesday night's game, "a three-car train pulled up and it sucked everyone off the platform. It was exciting," she said.

The heavy turnout on Metro for the opening series wasn't overly surprising. So far, East Valley park and ride lots are getting much heavier use than those in Phoenix.

A Feb. 26 survey found 468 cars parked at the Mesa lot, at the end of the 20-mile track. The lot has 802 spaces, the largest in the system. In contrast, a similar lot at the Phoenix end of the line, on 19th Avenue south of Bethany Home Road, had only 208 spaces used.

Metro theorizes that East Valley riders are using the line more because they are traveling longer distances to work, to Arizona State University and to special events such as the Diamondbacks games.

No one will know for sure until ridership surveys are performed later this year, Foose said.