University of Colorado Line

GRAND OPENING EVENTS

April 21-23, 2016

April 21 • VIP Reception April 22 • Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train • Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 23 • Station Parties and Free Ride Day

2016 Ad Wheel Submission Category 1 1C - Best Marketing and Communications to Increase Ridership or Sales – Special Event University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

The University of Colorado A Line is the final link connecting Denver to the world. Custom invitations and confirmations were mailed to each invitee and included two free ride coupons connecting guests to free VIP service on the line, a schedule of event activities, and sponsor recognition. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

Schedule for the evening

4:30 p.m. Trains begin departing Union Station TICKET 5:00 p.m. Reception begins 7:00 p.m. Video presentation to ride 8:00 p.m. Reception ends 9:00 p.m. Last train departs Denver Airport

University of Colorado A Line University of Colorado A Line VIP Reception April 21, 2016 VIP ReceptionApril 21, 2016

A “Ticket to Ride” badge was presented to all of the special VIP guests, so they could enjoy the train ride to the new Denver Airport Station. Over 1000 attendees attended the festivities. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

Guests began their journey on the University of Colorado A Line at Union Station or 40th & Airport Station via foot, Free Mall Shuttle, light rail train or car. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

VIPs boarded special-service University of Colorado of A Line trains at Union Station and 40th & Airport Station. Upon which they were treated to a special preview ride on the University of Colorado A Line to the Denver Airport Station. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

The VIP Reception was hosted at the Westin Denver Airport Hotel, which is part of the new Airport Transit Center. Guests debarked the train and took a short escalator ride to the reception area. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

Upon their arrival at the hotel, guests entered through the atrium which overlooks the Transit Center below. Here they were served tray-passed hor d’oeuvres. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

The main reception was ornamented with vintage travel posters and action stations serving globally inspired dishes. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

Midway through the reception, attendees viewed a commemorative video CLICK HERE celebrating the completion of the University of Colorado A Line. TO WATCH University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

After the video, guests were treated to French and European inspired dessert displays in the second ballroom. University Of Colorado A Line Grand Opening - VIP Reception April 21, 2016

Each guest was given a goody bag that included gifts inspired by the opening of the line as they departed the reception. The bag included a commemorative cut map of Denver and the line, a mini train, a travel kit, a luggage tag, and a notepad. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

The Grand Opening Day started with an early morning media train departing Union Station to Denver Airport Station and back. While on board, media live broadcasted interviews of officials and dignitaries out to early morning news programs. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

Departure timesINAUGURAL

TO RIDE TR IN T TRAIN TO THE PL KE THE ANE IC T Grand Opening INAUGURAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ne TRAIN the plA 4.22.16 to Line ain tR 7:15 a.m. Breakfast prior to ribbon cuttings he t University of Colorado 8:15 a.m. Ribbon cutting at Union Station 9:00 a.m. Ribbon cutting at 40th & Airport • Gateway Park GRanD opening 9:30 a.m. Ribbon cutting at Denver Aiport apRil 22, 2016 10:00 a.m. Grand Opening ceremony at Denver International Airport Noon Lunch following ceremony Noon Free service on University of Colorado A Line

Return transportation Departure times 12:15 p.m. • 1:00 p.m. • 1:30 p.m.

provided by

University of Colorado Line

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InauguralRide-TtoR.indd 1 On April 22, 2016 the Grand Opening of the University of Colorado A line began with an inaugural train ride. This commemorative badge was designed to match the marketing campaign of the “Train to the Plane” with a bright blue as the new color of the A Line to the airport. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

After the Media Train, Track 1 at Union Station hosted a breakfast for the City of Denver, followed by a ribbon cutting welcoming the University of Colorado A Line to Denver Union Station. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

Dignitaries from RTD, Denver Transit Partners, Denver elected officials then traveled to 40th & Airport Station where Aurora city officials also enjoyed a VIP breakfast and ribbon cutting welcoming the train to the 40th & Airport Station. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

Dignitaries then arrived at Denver Airport Station for the final ribbon cutting where airport, City of Denver, and RTD officials cut the ribbon welcoming the train to Denver International Airport. Guests were then escorted to the upstairs plaza for the Grand Opening Ceremony. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

The public received invitations to attend the Grand Opening Celebration of the new commuter rail line on April 22, 2016. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

The Grand Opening Ceremony was held on the 5th Level Plaza between the main Denver International Airport terminal and the Westin Denver Airport Hotel. Entertainment included a presentation of colors by RTD’s Color Guard and the national anthem sung by the Denver Dolls. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

TaRhonda Thomas, a local new personality, was Mistress of Ceremonies for the morning. The Grand Opening Ceremony included comments by many local, regional, and federal officials. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

More than 1,000 people attended the ceremony at Denver Airport. An additional 2,000 people watched a live broadcast of the ceremony via a large-scale LED screen at Union Station while waiting in line to board the train. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

Once the ribbon was cut, the public enjoyed free rides on the University of Colorado A Line all day. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

University of Colorado A Line, live music from Groove Nation Orchestra rang through the event plaza keeping folks entertained while waiting for the next train. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

RTD focused on public outreach hosting booths on safety, future rail openings, HR recruitment, and Workforce Initiative. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

n to t • t he• f tRai he pl e re the Ane id e R GR A ND TR A in OPENING to the station paRties satuRday • ApRil 23 • 10am - 2pm

union station peoria University of Colorado Line FREE Start your Journey! Start downtown RIDES Fun and Transportation! Join us for the with the RTD Experience RTD Experience, learn about the R Line, enjoy and enjoy FREE rides on food trucks, games, and more! all rail lines this day! Art dedication @ 11 a.m. fRiday • ApRil 22 satuRday • ApRil 23

38th & BlaKe 40th & aiRpoRt grand opening station paRties dance Where Art is Made! Highlights include a •gateway paRK DenveR International UniveRsity of Colorado live iron pour presentation, kids activities, Artistic Expression from around the local beer/cider/wine garden, artist and makers AiRport and Union Station line Stations World! Enjoy a variety of cultural dance booths, chalk art, live bands, and the and global musical entertainers and 10 am – NOON 10 am – 2 pm Denver Flea! This party lasts until 4 p.m.! sip on delicious Mexican hot Art dedication @ 2 p.m. + 2:30 p.m. chocolate, coffee, and tea. You’re invited to the official opening of the We’re having a huge celebration Art dedication @ 10 a.m. University of Colorado A Line! Service will and you’re invited. Join us for fun, food begin running directly after the ceremony. food, and festivities! 40th & coloRado 61st & peÑa International Kite Festival! Featuring * * Denver Active! This fiesta includes family professional kite flyers, kite making, food, free rides free rides friendly activities, entertainment, food trucks, music, entertainment, and a glimpse of the and more with a focus on keeping future Panasonic Enterprise UniveRsity of ColoRado line all Rail lines families healthy and active. music Solutions Company campus, Art dedication @ 1 p.m. NOON – 9 pm 5 am – 10 pm coming in late 2016.

centRal paRK denveR aiRpoRt Street Party! Displays and public Connecting You to the World! See the interactions include worldly cuisines, ART stunning Westin Denver International Airport kid adventures, global arts and culture, Hotel and enjoy spectacular new art, 61st & Peña healthy living, and international food, music, Central Denver Airport 38th•Blake Park community resources. entertainment, and activities 40th Ave & Airport Blvd Art dedication @ Noon on a new open-air plaza. 40th• Peoria •Gateway Park Colorado Union Station Snap a selfie at the party and share on Facebook, Twitter, #Train to the Plane or Instagram with #traintotheplane for a chance to win great prizes!

grand opening sponsor in partnership with

*Bus service NOT included.

University of Colorado Line rtd-denver.com University of Colorado Line rtd-denver.com

RTD produced a bright and colorful ad campaign to announce the Grand Opening of the “Train to the Plane”. These ads showcased the excitement of the new train line and the activities of all the station parties. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening Ribbon Cuttings and Inaugural Train, Grand Opening Ceremony and Celebration April 22, 2016

Digital ads were developed that were seen by thousands on several spots through a trade agreement with other media outlets. These bright colored ads informed the public about the grand opening and also the station parties during the opening weekend. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

RTD info booths stationed at all 8 stations along the University of Colorado A Line parties. A Line branded giveaways were available to the public. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

Guests started their journey downtown at Union Station. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

38th & Blake Station, located in the heart of Denver’s Art District, highlighted the neighborhood by featuring a live iron pour, chalk artists, a beer garden, live music, and kids activities at the station party. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

40th & Colorado Station hosted a fiesta with family friendly activities including Zumba and a hula hoop challenge.

University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

Central Park Station hosted the largest party of all the stations. The street festival included a Native American blessing, bike demonstrations, a drum line, cheerleaders, and various live musical performances. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

The Regional Transportation District welcomed the Montbello Neighborhood to Peoria Station by hosting a party. The party featured games, music, food trucks, a giant bubble tower, and booths highlighting RTD’s safety program, new services, and HR recruitment. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

40th & Airport attendees enjoyed cultural and global performances and activities. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

One of the more unique parties occurred at 61st & Pena Station, which hosted an international kite festival with professional kite flyers, kite making, food trucks, and music. University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Station Parties and Free Ride Day April 23, 2016

Throughout Station Party Day, RTD hosted dedication ceremonies at each station commemorating the unique art installations found along the line as part of RTD’s Art in Transit program University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Press Coverage

Local news provided coverage for the Grand Opening and during Station Party Day.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH University of Colorado A Line Grand Opening – Social Media

RTD - Social Media

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Visit Denver - Social Media

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