Free Rides Offered in San Antonio for Busy Event Weekend

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio is gearing up for an exciting weekend as more than 100,000 people are expected to gather downtown for several major events, including Paul McCartney’s concert at the Alamodome and Dia de los Muertos festivities.

City Manager Erik Walsh emphasized the importance of planning ahead for an enjoyable experience. “Our priority and our focus for this weekend is for everybody to have an enjoyable, memorable experience downtown,” Walsh said at a news conference outside the Alamodome.

This weekend marks a return to the Alamodome for McCartney, who last performed there in 1993. The concert is expected to draw over 45,000 fans, with pre-concert festivities starting at 2 p.m. at H-E-B Plaza.

To address anticipated congestion, VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide free Park & Ride service to the Robert Thompson Transit Station next to the Alamodome from 3 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, October 25. VIA president and CEO Jon Gary Herrera confirmed, “Whether it’s your bus, VIA Link, or our Park & Ride service, all of it will be free on Saturday.”

Riders can access the service from three locations: Crossroads Park & Ride, Brooks Transit Center, and Frost Bank Center Lots 6 & 7. Additionally, VIA will operate the Route 100 Primo Fredericksburg Road to connect downtown parking garages with the event venues.

Alongside the Alamodome concert, other downtown attractions like the Tobin Center and Aztec Theatre will host various events. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stated that officers will be present to ensure public safety. “You’re going to see a lot of police,” he said. “If you see something suspicious or something doesn’t feel right, call us.”

Families attending Muertos Fest also shared their excitement. Amanda Ojeda expressed, “This event’s not normally too crazy. My kids like the lights and all the alebrijes that everybody makes, so we enjoy it.”

Officials encourage attendees to arrive early and utilize ParkWhiz to reserve parking spots in advance on the Alamodome’s website. There will be no new road closures or detours don, as Public Works collaborates with SAPD to manage traffic signals efficiently.