METRO light rail, US Airways Center and the Phoenix Suns announced today the launch of a unique program entitled, “Rail Ride Event.” The program, a first in the U.S. between an entertainment venue and public transportation entity, will allow consumers who purchase a ticket to an event at US Airways Center to ride METRO light rail at no additional cost, on the day of the event.

Through Rail Ride Event, METRO will recognize US Airways Center event tickets as valid light rail fare on the day of the event for four hours prior to the start of the event, through the end of the transit day. The program will begin October 1, 2009 and run through September 30, 2010.

In addition to Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury games, US Airways Center hosts nearly 200 events each year, including concerts and family shows, with the venue’s longstanding partners Live Nation and Feld Entertainment. Tickets for every event at US Airways Center, which attracts over two million visitors annually, will be valid for the Rail Ride Event program.

METRO Board Chair and Phoenix Vice Mayor Tom Simplot, METRO CEO

Rick Simonetta, Suns President and CEO Rick Welts, and US Airways General Manager Ralph Marchetta made the announcement.

"This program will encourage use of the system as a great way to get to and from events at US Airways Center," said Simplot. "The Rail Ride Event program will encourage new riders who will soon discover how convenient, efficient and safe the system is."

“Suns fans who used light rail to travel to games last year told us that being able to avoid traffic and parking issues, as well as the ease and convenience of the trip, resulted in an experience that enhanced their enjoyment of attending a game,” said Welts. “We appreciate the willingness and creativity the leadership at METRO light rail demonstrated in developing this program for all US Airways Center events.”