In the coming weeks, several large-scale events are coming to the University of Utah campus. These events may impact your commute, so here is everything you need to know to stay informed.
Events at a glance
- April 23 | Salt Lake City Marathon
- April 23 | University of Utah Spring Football Game
- April 30 | Monster Jam
- May 5-6 | University Commencement & Convocations
- May 7 | Supercross
- June 2-3 | Granite School District and Salt Lake City School District high school graduations
TRAX and UTA services will be heavily impacted on Supercross race day, May 7. TRAX and UTA will operate as normal for all other scheduled events. Continue reading for information on each event.
The starting line for the Salt Lake City Marathon, half marathon, and cycling race begins on the U campus, see the full race map here. Please plan accordingly as Wasatch Drive will close to through traffic on Saturday morning at 1 a.m., and some parking in adjacent areas will be affected on Friday for race preparations. All races will have started by 7 a.m. Saturday and clean-up on campus will begin by 7:15 a.m. Marathon officials encourage all racers use their race bibs as their UTA bus, TRAX, and FrontRunner ticket when traveling to the starting line, rather than parking on campus.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon. Tailgating will not be part of this event and there will be no roadway closures to the surrounding streets.
The Utah Sports Commission and Feld Entertainment, Inc., will host Monster Jam at Rice-Eccles Stadium. More information about the event is available through the Utah Sports Commission website. If you are interested in attending the Monster Jam event, you may purchase tickets here.
Transportation impacts
Beginning Monday, April 25 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, May 1 at 6 a.m., the far right (north) westbound lane on 500 South will be closed. The north and south sidewalk along 500 South will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists. After the event ends, all lanes on 500 South will be closed for one hour as attendees exit campus.
Public Safety and noise and lights information can be found in a sections below.
The University of Utah will celebrate its Class of 2022 graduates at the University Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 5, 6 p.m. MDT at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. This in-person gathering honors graduating students from our colleges and schools across campus together during this university-wide event. College convocation ceremonies have been scheduled across campus throughout each day, May 5-6, see the full schedule here. An increase of vehicle traffic and those utilizing public transportation traveling to and from campus throughout both days should be expected.
The Utah Sports Commission and Feld Entertainment, Inc., will host the Monster Energy AMA Supercross finals at Rice-Eccles Stadium. More information about the event is available through the Utah Sports Commission website. If you are interested in attending the 2022 Supercross events, you may purchase tickets here.
Transportation impacts
Traffic signage and equipment will be in place to direct vehicle traffic during the closure periods. Road closures will not impact emergency vehicle routes.
The permits required for these road closures were issued by the Salt Lake City Department of Public Services and the Utah Department of Transportation. For more information about the permits obtained, contact the SLC Special Events Permits at 801-535-6105 and the UDOT Special Events Permits at 801-975-4900.
Wednesday, May 4, 5 a.m.-Saturday, May 7, 5 a.m.
- All westbound lanes on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed.
- There will be a lane shift on 500 to allow motorists access to eastbound and westbound traffic.
- The north and south sidewalks along 500 South will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.
Saturday, May 7, 5 a.m.-Sunday, May 8, 12 a.m. (RACE DAY)
- All east and westbound lanes on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed.
- Guardsman Way (from 500 South to roughly 592 Guardsman Way) will be closed.
- All sidewalks on 500 South will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists.
Sunday, May 8, 12 a.m.-Monday, May 9, 12 a.m.
- All westbound lanes on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed.
- There will be a lane shift on 500 to allow motorists access to eastbound and westbound traffic.
- The north and south sidewalks along 500 South will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists.
Monday, May 9, 12 a.m.-Tuesday, May 10, 6 a.m.
- The outer westbound lane on 500 South (from Guardsman Way to 1300 East) will be closed.
Race day westbound detour options
Guardsman Way will be closed to all forms of through traffic transportation on race day, Saturday, May 7. Cyclists and pedestrians can avoid the impacted area by utilized the path through the VA Hospital Campus and Sunnyside Park, see map below. For those utilizing the bus system, plan your UTA buss trip here.
All detour plans have been reviewed and approved by Salt Lake City and UDOT mandates. Additionally, U of U Health, Primary Children's Hospital, the VA Hospital, UTA, and other emergency services have received copies of these plans.
Commuters wishing to exit or enter campus have the following options:
- OPTION 1: South Campus Drive eastbound or westbound to either 1300 East or Mario Capecchi.
- OPTION 2: Utilizing Mario Capecchi Drive and Foothill Drive to bypass the impacted area.
- OPTION 3: Utilizing North Campus Drive to bypass the area completely.
Public Safety
There will be an increased police presence during all large events to direct traffic at all major thoroughfares leading to and from the University of Utah campus. In addition, police will be in and around the stadium during the Monster Jam and Supercross events, then back out into the surrounding areas to direct traffic as the events end. They will be responsible for all traffic and the public safety of the guests, staff, and neighbors before, during, and after the event.Noise and Lights
On race days, residents in surrounding communities and visitors to campus can expect loud noises associated with sporting events, such as crowds cheering, announcer speaking, occasional music playing, fireworks, and more. Residents may also notice bright illuminations coming from the stadium’s lighting fixtures and scoreboard. However, the increased sound level and bright lights will subside when the event ends.The Jon M. Huntsman Center will host graduation ceremonies for the Granite and Salt Lake City school districts, respectively. An increase of vehicle traffic and those utilizing public transportation traveling to and from campus throughout both days should be expected.