The University of Utah will be hosting a major event in partnership with the Utah Sports Commission at Rice-Eccles Stadium that will impact the campus and the neighboring community.
From June 20 to July 7, the university is preparing for and hosting the Monster Jam World Finals, with event days taking place July 2-4.
Please be aware of the following impacts related to parking, traffic and detours.
Transportation impacts
Monster Jam | June 20-July 7, 2026
Road closures:
June 29-July 5
- All eastbound lanes on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed beginning June 29 at 10 a.m.
- All westbound lanes on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed starting June 29 at 10 a.m.
- A detour to 800 South will be in effect through July 5 at 9 p.m.
- Sidewalks on both the north and south sides of 500 South will remain open until further notice, but may be restricted closer to event day.
Traffic signage and detour routes will be clearly marked. These closures will not affect emergency vehicle access.
Permits have been issued by the Salt Lake City Department of Public Services and the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT). For questions about permits, contact SLC Special Events at 801-535-6105 and UDOT Special Events and 801-975-4900.
Parking and load-in impacts:
June 20-22
- Dirt move-in operations will take place; this will require lane closures on 500 South.
June 23-July 5
- Lot 1 and Lot 9 are completely closed for event setup. Vehicle relocation began at 6 a.m. on June 23.
- Lot 2 is under moratorium, with stadium-reserved stalls installed for exclusive event use.
- Message boards along Foothill Drive and 400 South are alerting drivers to the upcoming 500 South closure.
June 25-July 4
- Lot 40 Rows 1 and 2 will be closed for large tents and Hot Pit setup.
June 30-July 4
- Lot 39 tailgating opens
Event days: July 2-4
July 2: Preliminary Production Day
- Staffing in Lots 1, 2, 9, 40
July 3: Production Day
- Parking lots open for sale: Lots 4, 5, 6, 8, 35, 39, 40
- 1 ADA Shuttle from Lot 14
July 4: Production Day
- Parking lots open for sale: Lots 4, 5, 6, 8, 35, 39, 40
- 1 ADA Shuttle from Lot 14
Public safety impacts:
There will be an increased University of Utah Police and Salt Lake City Police presence to manage traffic and ensure safety in and around the stadium and community before, during and after events.
Noise and lighting impacts:
Surrounding neighborhoods may experience increased noise and bright lighting July 2-4 due to the nature of Monster Jam events. This includes:
- Engine and vehicle noise
- PA announcements and music
- Large crowd activity
- Stadium lighting and fireworks (July 4 only)
- Please note: Gov. Spencer Cox’s June 25, 2026, executive order restricts personal fireworks across the state. Fireworks at Rice-Eccles are permitted and licensed in accordance with local regulations and will move forward on July 4.
All elevated sound and lighting levels will subside at the close of each event day.
Commuter detour options:
To avoid traffic congestion, we recommend the following routes during the impacted days:
- Option 1: Use South Campus Drive westbound to access either 1300 East or Mario Capecchi Drive.
- Option 2: Use Mario Capecchi Drive and Foothill Drive to bypass 500 South.
- Option 3: Use North Campus Drive to avoid the area entirely.
All road and parking plans have been reviewed and approved by Salt Lake City, UDOT and local agencies, including U of U Health, Primary Children’s Hospital, VA Hospital, UTA and emergency responders.
If you are interested in attending the Monster Jam World Finals, tickets are available here.
For any questions or comments regarding the event or its impacts, please contact 801-581-5445.
