August 21, 2002 — Getting to a University of Utah football game has never been easier or more fun! The University of Utah and the Utah Transit Authority today announced a partnership that will allow fans to rally in selected TRAX lots before the Utah/Indiana home game and then ride a special train to Rice/Eccles Stadium. Marc Amicone, assistant athletic director in charge of marketing, says the Rally & Ride idea sounds like a winner. “What a great way to get to a Utah football game. We are excited to team-up with UTA and it should be a lot of fun for our fans.”

The Rally & Ride lots are located at the TRAX stations at 10000 So. in Sandy and 5200 So. in Murray. Large portions of the lots will be set aside for Ute fans to park their cars, hours before game time. Fans are encouraged to bring their choice of food and drinks, and even to barbeque in the lots. However, to kick off the TRAX parties, UTA will provide free hotdogs and the U will give anyone riding the train to a Utah football game a coupon for a free Coke, redeemable at the stadium.

The Utes’ first home game is against Indiana on September 7th. For that game only, a third Rally & Ride lot will be located at the 4th South Market (400 South 600 East), near University Line Trolley Station. Businesses in that outdoor mall will be offering free food samples and are planning other fun activities.

The Rally & Ride experience is part of the athletic department’s marketing plan to make Utah football games more of a daylong party. For those who prefer the more traditional form of tailgating, the U is opening all of its unreserved lots to any fan with a desire to grill up some food. Other campus lots are being set aside for faculty and staff, the new student fan club and alumni. Utah cheerleaders will be visiting the tailgating lots and Rally & Ride lots to help fans cheer-on the Utes and pass out free merchandise.