Edmontonians and visitors (welcome!) are being reminded that gates to Commonwealth Stadium and Clarke Stadium open at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, ahead of Mass said by Pope Francis. More than 70,000 people are expected to be there.
“The gates to Commonwealth and Clarke stadiums will open at 7:30 a.m.,” said Nicole Poirier, director, Civic Events and Festivals at the City of Edmonton.
“For those with tickets to the Mass, we would like to remind you to allow extra time to get into the stadiums as there will be [security] screening of all guests upon arrival.”
Park and Ride, public transit
Poirier reminded Mass goers to plan their routes to the stadium, arrive early and use public transit as there is no parking around Commonwealth Stadium.
“Those attending the Papal Mass can use their ticket as fare to ride regular transit buses, LRT, and/or the Park and Ride services from 7 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. that day,” said Poirier. “Buses from each Park and Ride location will run every five minutes.”
Park and Ride locations are:
Calder City Lot (124 Street and 124 Avenue)
Davies City Lot (86 Street and 61 Avenue)
Eaux Claires Lot (97 Street and 157 Avenue)
Lewis Farms (1021 Webber Greens Drive. Arrive early. There are limited stalls due to construction. Or head for the Calder lot.)
Mill Woods Town Centre (66 Street and 23 Avenue)
Buses from each Park and Ride location will run every five minutes, starting at 7 a.m.
On a downtown route, eastbound buses on Jasper Avenue will stop at stops between 107 Street and 97 Street, and northbound buses on 97 Street will stop at stops between Jasper Avenue and 107 Avenue.
The Capital Line LRT stops at Stadium Station, near Commonwealth Stadium.
On floor? Be in place by 8:15 a.m.
Poirier reminded people who are seated on the floor in Commonwealth and standing on the field at Clarke Stadium must be at their locations by 8:15 a.m. The Mass is scheduled to start at 10:15 a.m. Programming begins at 9:15 am and all other ticket holders should be in their places by then.
“During this busy time we ask that people plan ahead and leave additional time to get to where you are going,” said Poirier. “There will be a large number of visitors in Edmonton during the Pope’s visit, some of whom will be unfamiliar with our streets and our transit system, so, please, continue to be patient and courteous as you travel throughout the city on these days.”
Take a look at the Pope’s arrival at the Edmonton International Airport and then later as he was driven into the city.
Poirier said logistics around the Pope’s visit are important, but the bigger picture is vital to understand.
“I would like to reiterate how important this visit is as we continue our healing journey with Indigenous Peoples,” said Poirier.
Editor’s notes: The pic at the top of the post shows Pope Francis greeting George Arcand, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations, at the Edmonton International Airport, July 24, 2022. Visit edmonton.ca/PapalVisit for all kinds of information about the Pope’s visit, including parking restrictions, road closures, traffic detours and Commonwealth Stadium entry information. Watch Nicole Poirier’s news conference about the Papal Visit. Stadium gates open at 7:30 a.m. Spread that word.