Arts & Entertainment
Free Ride To Ravinia Concerts Through Metra Partnership
Concert tickets will get you a free ride on the Union Pacific North line, officials announced.
HIGHLAND PARK, IL — A partnership between Metra and the Ravinia Festival Association will allow those who purchase tickets to the outdoor venue to also secure a free ride to their destination.
For the upcoming 2021 concert season, which begins Thursday, concertgoers will be able to take the Union Pacific North Line to the Ravinia Park stop for no additional cost. In order to redeem the free ride, all visitors have to do is show the Metra conductor their concert ticket or e-ticket and their ride to — and from — the venue will be free.
"We are proud to be a part of this unique opportunity and are certain that the free Metra service will enhance concertgoers' journey to the park," Jeff Haydon, president and chief executive officer of the Ravinia Festival Association, said in a statement. "The train has always been a part of Ravinia's history and we're excited to build on this partnership."
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The offer is only available for those taking the UP North Line, which runs from Chicago to Kenosha, Wisconsin. The line's Ravinia Park Station is located at the entrance to the festival grounds and is used exclusively for events at the park. The line's Braeside Station is also located a short walk from the park.
RELATED: 2021 Ravinia Festival Lineup Released, 64 Concerts Planned
Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Metra officials said conductors will be checking the date on concert tickets in order for the ride to be free. Riders can take the train from any of the line's available stops to any stop near Ravinia.
"The fact that our trains stop at the entrance to Ravinia Park is a great example of how easy it is to access many regional attractions without a car," said Metra CEO and Executive Director Jim Derwinski.
RELATED: 10 Shows Added To Ravinia Summer Concert Schedule
The announcement comes as Metra officials say ridership is slowly increasing back to pre-pandemic levels. The rail service is still at 17 percent of average ridership from before 2020 and continues to operate some routes on limited schedules.
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