Get ready for Special Olympics

Plan ahead for parking changes and closures

June 20, 2018 • Rubi Ortiz

A view of Husky Stadium from the Rainier Vista path to the UW Light Rail Station

The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games are almost here, and the University of Washington is proud to serve as a primary venue. From the day the athletes move in to the opening ceremony on July 1 at Husky Stadium and through the whole weeklong schedule of events that follows, expect to see a lot more new faces around campus. Please be aware of the following parking and traffic changes and how they might impact your daily commute from Tuesday, June 26 to Sunday, July 8.

Road closures: Walla Walla Road will be closed to unauthorized vehicles from the Baseball stadium to the E19 parking lot Sunday, July 1 through Friday, July 6. Mason Road will be closed intermittenly to unauthorized vehicles on Sunday, July 1. Jefferson Road will be closed to unauthorized vehicles Monday, July 2 through Friday, July 6.

Parking closures and changes: Lots E4, E6, E8 and E9 will be closed to regular UW permit holders for some or all of the period between Tuesday, June 26 to Sunday, July 8. If you have a permit for one of these lots, you will receive an email with specific information about the closure period and where to park during this time.

Also affected are lots W8 and E12. W8 will have 30 fewer spaces for the duration of the event, and while E12 is not closing, congestion is expected to make it difficult to access. If you have a permit for one of these lots, you will receive an email with alternate parking suggestions. Lots N16-N21, N24 and C12, please note the Mason Road closure and plan your route accordingly.

Congestion: The UW is housing more than 4,000 athletes and coaches in residence halls and hosting competitions in venues across campus. The largest crowd is expected during the opening ceremony at Husky Stadium on Sunday, July 1, with up to 24,000 people attending. As it is summer quarter, the traffic impact other than on Sunday should not be too great. Something to be aware of is the high number of pedestrians that wll be in the area around the stadium. Drivers are asked to be patient, drive slowly, and, if not attending the event, consider taking alternate routes to your destinations.

For more information, please see the UW's Special Olympics website.