2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Ride with MVTA to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games at the University of Minnesota!
- Plan ahead: Review route schedules, departure times, and pickup locations before your travel day.
- Arrive early: We recommend arriving at your departure location at least 5 – 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- Reserve your seat: If you are attending the Opening Ceremony, be sure to reserve your spot through the Eventbrite link.
- Know your route: Double-check your departure location and return trip information before traveling.
- Bring your fare: Regular fares are required on University of Minnesota express routes during the Games.
- Stay informed: Follow MVTA on social media and check this page for the latest service updates and travel information.
- Have fun!
All MVTA buses are ADA accessible.
There are a variety of services provided for individuals attending the 2026 Special Olympics Summer Games!
Opening Ceremony
Saturday, June 20
- Free direct event service will be available from four MVTA Park & Ride locations to the Opening Ceremony.
- To reserve your seat and help us plan service, please RSVP through Eventbrite and select purple or green route.
Games
June 21 – 26
- MVTA also provides transportation to the University of Minnesota through three express routes operating Monday through Friday during the Games
- Regular MVTA fares apply on these routes
- Service does not operate on Saturdays & Sundays.
- Multiple stops are available throughout the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus, making it easy to access competition venues and event locations.
For route schedules, departure locations, fares, and trip-planning resources, please visit the links below.
Contact MVTA Customer Service at (952) 882-7500 for more information.
opening ceremony: June 20
Important Information
MVTA Park & Ride Locations for Opening Ceremony:
-
Burnsville Transit Station (Bay C)
100 East Highway 13, Burnsville, MN 55337 - Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride
1401 Crossings Boulevard, Shakopee, MN 55379Eagan Transit Station
3470 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan, MN 55122 - Apple Valley Transit Station (Bay D)
15450 Cedar Avenue South, Apple Valley, MN
Let Us Know You’re Riding With Us!
Click the Eventbrite link below to tell us which route you’ll be taking and how many people will be riding in your group.
*While RSVPs are not required, they help our team determine how many buses are needed and ensure the best possible service for all attendees.
- Buses will depart 30 minutes after the ceremony ends.
- After the ceremony, please proceed directly to the designated pickup area and look for MVTA’s orange and green buses. Head signs will display each park & ride destination to help you board the correct bus.
Venue Drop-off/Pickup Location:
Huntington Bank Stadium
Bus Schedule
The times listed below indicate when buses depart from each transit station. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to ensure you don’t miss your ride.
Purple Route: Departs from Southbridge Crossings Park & Ride (Shakopee), then stops at Burnsville Transit Station
Green Route: Departs from Apple Valley Transit Station, then stops at Eagan Transit Station
Opening Ceremony
June 20
Huntington Bank Stadium
| Southbridge Crossings | Burnsville Transit Station | Opening Ceremony Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 pm | 5:00 pm | 6:30 pm |
| Apple Valley Transit Station | Eagan Transit Station | Opening Ceremony Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4:30 pm | 5:00 pm | 6:30 pm |
Games: June 21 – 26
Attending events throughout the week?
MVTA also offers several University of Minnesota Express Routes during the Special Olympics games, June 22 – 26.
Express UMN Routes
Route 465
Burnsville – Bloomington – Mpls – UMN
Route 475
Apple Valley – Cedar Grove – Mpls – UMN
Route 490
Prior Lake – Shakopee – Mpls -UMN
Fixed Route UMN Dropoff Locations
All three routes drop off and pick up at the same locations on the UMN campus
Campus Dropoff Locations
Coffman Union
Oak & University
Ridder Arena
Campus Pickup Locations
Oak St & 4th/5th Street
Coffman Union
Express Route Fares
| Category | Non Rush Hour Fare | Rush Hour Fare (6 – 9 am) (3 – 6:30 pm) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Ages 13-64) | $2.50 | $3.25 |
| Senior (Ages 65+) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Youth (Ages 6-12) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Limited Mobility (must be qualified) | $1.00 | $1.00 |
| Children (Ages 0-5) | Free | Free |
| Disabled Veterans | Free | Free |
| Metro Mobility-certified | Free | Free |
MVTA is part of the regional transit fare system. You can purchase tickets through your Go-To card, Universal Transit pass, Metropass, or by paying the exact fare amount.
To refill your Go-To Card online, go to https://store.metrotransit.org/