NextStop Blog

If you see a robot or two making their way around the city this week, don’t be alarmed. There’s only one logical explanation – the FIRST Robotics Championship has returned to St. Louis. The annual competition is free to the public and kicks off Wednesday, April 22 through Saturday, April 25.

This year, the FIRST Championship has expanded to venues throughout downtown St. Louis – including the Edward Jones Dome, America’s Center, the Renaissance Grand Hotel and Union Station – and Metro is a great option for robot fans heading to the excitement. You can use one of our 20 free Park-Ride lots located at MetroLink stations in both Missouri and Illinois, and take the train to the Convention Center MetroLink Station or one of the other downtown MetroLink stations to cheer on your favorite team. Fans who want to take MetroBus downtown can plan their trips using our Trip Planner.

If you’re going to check out the action, you may want to consider getting the 2015 Robotics Championship MetroPass. It’s valid for unlimited riding April 19-26 on regular MetroLink, MetroBus and Downtown Trolley service, and it’s perfect for getting to and from the championship, and also for exploring all that St. Louis has to offer.

Remember, if you choose to take MetroLink this weekend (April 25 and April 26), you may need to add some extra time to your commute. The Forest Park-DeBaliviere MetroLink Station will be closed this weekend due to the scheduled demolition of the DeBaliviere Bridge at Forest Park Parkway.

MetroLink passengers will be shuttled by bus between the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station, Central West End Station, Skinker Station and Delmar Loop Station that weekend. Regular MetroLink service is expected to resume by the start of service on Monday, April 27.