In a special video message taped this morning, Los Angeles Mayor and Metro Board Member Eric Garcetti welcomed the anticipated half million visitors and athletes from around the globe to Los Angeles for Special Olympics World Games activities, July 25 – Aug.2. He encouraged attendees to avoid traffic and potential parking issues by taking Metro to the various sporting venues around L.A. County.

Opening games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Saturday, July 25 are an easy walk from the Metro Expo Line Expo Park/USC Station. Metro will be offering enhanced capacity on the Metro Expo Line, as well as additional service on Metro Bus Lines 204 and 754 along Vermont Avenue. Extra service will be provided on the Metro Silver Line from South Bay to El Monte.

Other venues, including those in Long Beach and at the Los Angeles Convention Center, L.A. Live and the Balboa Sports Center in Encino, also are accessible via Metro. Go to the Trip Planner at metro.net to for details.