Light rail may be best option for Suns, Diamondbacks home games on Thursday

As the Suns maintain their hold on the number four seed in the West and the Diamondbacks host the Dodgers in their 2023 home opener, the light rail could serve as Thursday night's MVP.

Both teams are slated to kick off their games within the 7 p.m. hour (Suns tip at 7, Diamondbacks at 7:10) so parking and commuting toward downtown Phoenix are likely to be a hassle, even after rush hour traffic and no major closures near downtown to be concerned with per the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Luckily, those planning to catch a possible glimpse of "Headband Book" or Corbin Carroll in all his glory can use the light rail for a better experience.

Suns (or Nuggets fans) will be able to take the light rail for no additional charge thanks to the Rail Ride ticket agreement with Footprint Center, but those traveling to Chase Field will need to pay the fare.

"We have 12 park-and-rides across Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa that are free (but no overnight parking) and then they can pick up the light rail or connect from streetcar in Tempe," Valley Metro Communications Manager Susan Tierney told The Arizona Republic. "The easiest way to plan a trip is with the Valley Metro app, where you can track your train or bus in real time and also pay your fare."

The fare is $2 for one ride or $4 for a one-day pass.

Valley Metro Park-and-Ride stations

Valley Metro offers 12 park-and-ride locations, all of which are free to use and are protected by surveillance and security personnel:

• 19th Ave./Dunlap (Closed for renovations)

• 19th Ave./Montebello

• 19th Ave./Camelback

• 7th Ave./Camelback

• Central Ave./Camelback

• 38th St./Washington

• Dorsey/Apache Blvd.

• McClintock/Apache Blvd.

• Price-101 Fwy/Apache Blvd.

• Sycamore/Main St.

• Mesa Dr./Main St.

• Gilbert Rd./Main St.

An interactive map is available via the Valley Metro website at https://www.valleymetro.org/how-to-ride/park-and-ride.

The eastbound light rail tracks will close temporarily each night at 11 p.m. till 5 a.m. in downtown Phoenix until April 8. Van Buren/1st Avenue, Jefferson/1st Avenue and 3rd Street/ Jefferson Street stations will close at this time. Trains should be boarded at Van Buren/Central Avenue, Washington/Central Avenue or 3rd Street/Washington stations.

Parking for 24 hours is not permitted.

Parking options downtown

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the commute downtown won't be impacted by freeway conditions.

"Just be aware of normal afternoon rush hour traffic at that time, though the primary direction of that traffic will be away from downtown. There are no closures to be concerned with around downtown," Assistant Communications Director Steven Elliot told The Republic.

As for parking, travelers can try their luck at one of the many downtown garages near the stadiums or go for a metered spot.

According to the Footprint Center website, Lyft options are available as well and can drop fans close to the stadium:

• 1st Street/Jefferson ( Footprint Center Plaza )

• S. 2nd Street ( The Ryan )

• S. 3rd Street ( Phoenix Convention Center )

• E. Jefferson Street ( Hotel Palomar/Arrogant Butcher )

Those commuting from other parts of Arizona, such as Glendale or Tempe, can visit the Footprint Center website for the best directions on how to reach the stadium.

Traffic and road conditions can always be checked at az511.gov to stay up to date.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Travel options ahead of Suns, D-Backs games in downtown Phoenix