June 14 marks the first official day the new METRO Green Line will be open to the public. The additional line will connect downtown Minneapolis with the University of Minnesota’s campus and downtown St. Paul. The $957 million project will add 47 new trains, with an additional 12 trains for the Blue Line; 90,000 jobs by 2030; and a way to travel between downtowns in just 40 minutes – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In honor of this monumental day in Minnesota, June 14 will be jam packed with Opening Day events at a majority of the Green Line stations. The day will begin at 9 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at Union Depot Station in Downtown St. Paul. From then on, the Union Depot Station will be full of live music programmed by The Current, a display of finalists from the Green Line poster contest, a gallery of Lowertown artists, and Union Depot tours and historical information.
“Catch a Taste of the Warehouse District” will be taking place at the Target Field Station and will include interactive games with the Timberwolves and Lynx, live music planned by 96.3 K-TWIN, and taste samples from restaurants located in the Warehouse District and North Loop.
West Bank Station will be filled with international flair as East African community leaders present arts, dance and cultural showcases. Additionally, local theaters will offer tours and other businesses in the area will host a dance event and other activities.
Stadium Village Station will be focusing an all things sports with appearances from the Vikings and Gophers mascots, talent and cheerleaders. Stadium Village restaurants will sample their cuisine and Northrop Auditorium will continue its reopening celebrations with performances from local musicians.
The Creative Enterprise Zone will be on display at Raymond Station where art is the theme. Be prepared to encounter live music, food, human sculptures, mobile murals, and public art projects.
Nothing is more Minnesotan than the State Fair, which will be showcased at Hamline Ave Station. There will be a Midway, Kidway, Grandstand and International Bazaar as well as animal educators from Como Park Zoo, the Choo Choo Bob Show and a showcase from Gordon Parks High School. Pick up a “coupon-on-a-stick” and explore restaurants via a fleet of pedal-cabs.
The Rondo Days Grill King 2nd Annual BBQ will take place at Victoria St Station and will celebrate the culture, history and art of the Rondo, Summit-U and Frogtown neighborhoods. Bike activities, led by Bikes for Change and Nice Ride, will take place as well as dancing, music and youth performances and historical exhibits.
Celebrations will continue at Western Ave Station with “Explore Little Mekong,” which kicks off the summer-long Asian Night Market from 5-10 p.m.. Around 50 food and retail vendors will be present as well as family-friendly art activities and cultural performances.
Central Station will offer an outdoor music stage and a “Skyway Open” mini-golf tournament that will provide an opportunity to explore skyway businesses and restaurants located between Central Station and Union Depot.
For more information on the Green Line and a full itinerary of events, visit the Metro Transit website.Â
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