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Transit Takes Sports Fans Where They Want To Go

ManagementPhotos 11April 22, 2026

Game day runs on more than what happens inside the stadium. Although the action on the field is much more visible, getting fans there is a coordinated effort in its own right. Across the country, transit agencies are partnering with sports teams to move tens of thousands of riders efficiently while enhancing the overall fan experience.

These collaborations may hinge on adding extra service, but they also include shared planning, targeted marketing, branded vehicles, and fare incentives designed to make transit the easiest choice for sports enthusiasts. Together, these partnerships help reduce congestion, expand access, and make the trip to the game a seamless part of the event.

New York City Transit’s 1917 IRT Lo-V Nostalgia Train.

On April 3, fans who departed from Grand Central–42 Street turned back the clock aboard New York City Transit’s legendary 1917 IRT Lo-V Nostalgia Train for a line drive directly up to Yankee Stadium.  

Credit:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Inside of the New York City Transit’s 1917 IRT Lo-V Nostalgia Train.

The Lo-V went into service just 14 years after the Yankees began as the New York Highlanders and played at Hilltop Park in Washington Heights, before the neighborhood was served by the 168th Street 1AC subway station.

Credit:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Metro-North conductor Steve Boland greeted arriving fans with a medley of songs, including “Take Me Out to the Ball Game."

The celebration continued at the Yankees–E 153rd St station, where Metro-North conductor Steve Boland greeted arriving fans with a medley of songs, including “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” as they headed toward the stadium. The MTA encourages fans to step up to the plate and take mass transit for a fast and reliable way to get to the game in time for first pitch.

Credit:

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

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An Inter Miami CF wearing pink and black.

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority’s Tri-Rail experienced a surge in ridership on Saturday, April 4, following the inaugural game for Inter Miami CF at their new home in Miami Freedom Park. After the team’s first game at Nu Stadium, more than 1,000 fans boarded two special Tri-Rail trains that departed from the Miami Airport Station. The system had over 9,000 rides on the day, making it the eighth busiest Saturday in Tri-Rail’s history.

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South Florida Regional Transportation Authority

Nashville SC mascot poses in front of a purple WeGo Transit bus.

WeGo Transit’s Community Impact Partnership (CIP) program has been key to working with teams like Nashville SC and the Tennessee Titans. Pictured here is Tempo the Coyote, the official mascot for Nashville SC in Major League Soccer, who first appeared in 2019 and is known for engaging fans at games, events, and now, public transit.

Credit:

WeGo Transit

The NFL's Tennessee Titans' mascot, T-Rac, sits on a railing and holds a sign promoting free public transit rides on game day.

Some sports partnerships include coordinated planning, shared messaging and marketing, and incentives like free or discounted rides on game days. The NFL's Tennessee Titans' mascot, T-Rac, spreads the message through dedicated signage and public transit appearances with WeGo Transit.

Credit:

WeGo Transit

A Los Angeles Metro bus parking in front of a building.

In Los Angeles, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are pushing coordination across at least 10 regional transit partners. Enhanced service will connect fans to the stadium from locations across the region, including Union Station and LAX/Metro Transit Center, with trains and buses running up to three hours before kickoff and continuing 90 minutes after matches conclude.

Credit:

Los Angeles Metro

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System trolley outside Snapdragon Stadium.

California’s San Diego Metropolitan Transit System leans heavily on experience and data to prepare for events at Snapdragon Stadium. The agency’s Green Line trolley provides direct, frequent service to the stadium's doorstep, running every 15 minutes.

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San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

A San Diego Metropolitan Transit System trolley wrapped with a Padres player advertisement.

Sport partnerships with transit agencies show up in everything from branded trolley wraps to social media campaigns and all-season transit passes. A trolley wrap of the San Diego Padres promotes the team’s home opener against the Detroit Tigers at Petco Park in March.

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San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Comic-Con signage.

Even though cosplaying is often seen as a performance art, it can still be categorized as a sport, given the competitive and physical aspects of events like San Diego Comic-Con. This is the city’s biggest event of the year, boasting 260,000 additional passengers using the agency’s trolley over four days of the convention. Just like a typical sports event, signage helps promote the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System’s services and guide attendees to the best public transit routes.

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San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Four Philadelphia Phillies fans on a SEPTA train.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority is getting Phillies fans to the Phillies v. San Francisco Giants three-game series at Citizens Bank Park thanks to extra service on the Broad Street Line in addition to regular weekday and weekend service.

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SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority)