FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 17, 2009
Contacts: Jamie Morris, Phoenix Suns, jmorris@suns.com or 602-379-7915

Marty McNeil, METRO, MMcNeil@metrolightrail.org or 602-774-5592

PARTNERSHIP CREATES FIRST-EVER “RAIL RIDE EVENT” PROGRAM

METRO light rail, US Airways Center and Phoenix Suns

team up to develop program establishing event tickets that include METRO light rail fare

PHOENIX – 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.”

Simonetta called it a “perfect fit.”

“Special event and recreation-oriented trips are already a significant portion of our ridership,” said Simonetta. Teaming up with the Suns and a great venue like US Airways Center just takes it to the next level.”

“Whether attending a Suns or Mercury game, a concert, the Ringling Brothers Circus or a Disney on Ice Show, we believe having a ticket that includes round-trip transportation on METRO light rail will actually result in more people attending events at US Airways Center,” said Marchetta.

About US Airways Center

US Airways Center is owned by the City of Phoenix and managed by a subsidiary of Suns Legacy Partners, owners of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA).The 19,000-seat, award-winning venue hosts nearly 200 events a year including concerts, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Disney on Ice shows, other family shows, sporting events, and conventions. More than two million guests attend events at the Center annually. For more information, log on to www.usairwayscenter.com.

About METRO

METRO is a non-profit, public corporation responsible for the operation of the 20-mile light rail system in metro Phoenix, and for design, construction and future operation of 37 miles of possible extensions. Since opening in December 2008, METRO has posted ridership figures 30% above projections. www.MetroLightRail.org

-Suns.com-