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By now you’re more than likely aware that there’s a big baseball game being played in Downtown Phoenix on Tuesday, July 12.
2011-ASG-LogoYou also probably know that MLB All-Star FanFest, the World’s Largest Interactive Baseball Theme Park™, will be wowing fans July 8-12 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
But did you know that your best chance to get close to your favorite players–including lone Diamondbacks representative Justin Upton–happens hours before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. first pitch?
From Noon to 1 p.m., the National League and American League All-Stars will be paraded to Chase Field during the 7th Annual All-Star Red Carpet Show that will air on MLB Network.
Locals and tourists are invited to watch the procession of All-Stars to the 82nd Midsummer Classic as they make their way down approximately 1,750 feet of red carpet, stretching one-third of a mile from the corner of First Street and Jefferson Street down Fourth Street, and ending at Chase Field. MLB All-Star Ambassador Luis Gonzalez, whose hit in Game 7 gave the D-backs a world championship 10 years ago, will ride in the lead vehicle as Grand Marshal.
To combat the heat, the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors will be passing out free bottles of water and a cooling station at 3rd Street and Washington will mist fans.
The Red Carpet Show will feature all the All-Stars riding Chevrolet Silverados. In addition, NL manager Bruce Bochy from the Giants and AL manager Ron Washington from the Rangers will lead their teams down the carpet in Chevrolet Camaro convertibles. MLB Network personalities Greg Amsinger, Hazel Mae and Harold Reynolds will host the event’s national telecast.
For a complete list of All-Star Game activities visit the game’s official site.
METRO LIGHT RAIL NOTE:  During the MLB All-Star Red Carpet, from 12 – 1:30 p.m., METRO will transition from 12 to 20-minute service.  Riders traveling eastbound to attend this event should disembark at the 1st Ave./Jefferson station; the 3rd St./Jefferson station will be closed.  It will re-open immediately following this event. Riders are encouraged to buy an all-day or multi-day pass for unlimited rides in the purchased time period.  Validate the pass with your first ride and keep the pass on you in the event of fare inspection. Riders are also advised to expect crowds on board, at park-and-rides and at fare vending machines.  Please be patient and plan ahead.

During the MLB All-Star Red Carpet event on Tuesday, July 12, from 12 – 1:30 p.m., METRO will transition from 12 to 20-minute service.  Riders traveling eastbound to attend this event should disembark at the 1st Ave./Jefferson station; the 3rd St./Jefferson station will be closed.  It will re-open immediately following this event.
Riders are encouraged to buy an all-day or multi-day pass for unlimited rides in the purchased time period.  Validate the pass with your first ride and keep the pass on you in the event of fare inspection.
Riders are also advised to expect crowds on board, at park-and-rides and at fare vending machines.  Please be patient and plan ahead.