The Super Bowl officially kicked off Monday night, which marks the start to an exciting stretch of events and activities, but also potential headaches and challenges of navigating around Downtown Minneapolis if you are a person with disabilities or a staff person traveling with them.
The good news is there are lots of helpful tips and sources of information to help, many of which have been compiled by Molly Ditter and Ashlee Cermak from Integrity Living Options. Here are some of their tips:
- Use Metro Transit as much as possible: Between road closures and altered parking options (and more expensive parking), traveling on your own four wheels can be tricky and potentially costly. The Super Bowl organizers strongly recommend Metro Transit as the best option for getting to and traveling around Downtown. There are affordable day passes that can be purchased from the Metro Transit app or at station ticket machines to avoid the hassle of paying for each ride.
- Plan for delays all around: If you are headed Downtown for appointments or activities, expect that traveling everywhere will take longer and be more crowded. The Super Bowl Host Committee anticipates approximately 100,000 people filling Downtown each day.
- Manage medical appointments (and other appointments) accordingly: With all the extra traffic and people, hospitals, clinics and businesses are doing their best to manage services and expectations. In a recent story, the Hennepin County Medical Center said they would try to accommodate people delayed for appointments but asked people to do their best to plan ahead. If you can, try to move your appointments to after the Super Bowl.
- Be extra cautious, extra aware: With a huge influx of people and vehicles, many of whom are likely to be unfamiliar with Downtown, it’s important to be extra aware of your surroundings when on foot. Stay close with your party and consider remaining in physical contact at all times. Always keep bags and other positions in your hands and secure to protect against theft or loss. When on sidewalks and crossing streets, be 100 percent focused on traffic and directions, double checking traffic signals and cars, as well as ensuring drivers see you before crossing, such as if they are waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Don’t forget that while not as crowded, Downtown St. Paul is also home to many Super Bowl events and we recommend keeping many of these same tips in mind.
For additional information and tips, these guides can be good resources:
Super Bowl 52 Know Before You Go
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