In its preparation to conduct the first U.S. Open in the Pacific Northwest, the United States Golf Association has released detailed spectator information that will assist anyone who plans to attend the championship, which will be held June 15-21 at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.
Included in the 2015 Spectator Guide (found at www.usopen.com/knowbeforeyougo) is a detailed transportation plan prepared in conjunction with the lead law enforcement agency, the Pierce County Sherriff's Department, and other local and state agencies. More than 21,000 satellite parking spaces have been secured in the local area, providing the public with free parking and complimentary shuttle service directly to the championship grounds.
"The transportation plan for the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay is the result of countless hours and an 18-month collaboration with community officials," said Hank Thompson, director of U.S. Open administration for the USGA. "We are confident, after hosting many championships in small communities, that this plan will minimize delays for local residents while ensuring safe and orderly parking and shuttle services for all attendees."
Event Parking and Routes to the Championship
The spectator routing system will use more than 150 trail signs deployed throughout the area and 290 shuttle buses to help ensure trouble-free travel to and from the championship.
For the week of the U.S. Open Championship, all general spectators traveling by car should follow signs to one of two local, complimentary general spectator parking lots. The RED lot will be located at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup, Wash., and the BLUE Lot will be located at Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Wash. Shuttles will run continuously beginning at 5:30 a.m. each day, and continue for one hour following the conclusion of play.
Spectators traveling from points north and east of the City of University Place will be directed to I-5 South, I-405 South and WA-18 West, following championship trail signage to the RED Lot. The shuttle commute to and from the RED Lot and Chambers Bay is expected to take 30 minutes, based on traffic.
Spectators departing from points west (Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula) or from points south utilizing I-5 North are advised to proceed to the BLUE Lot, with an anticipated 25-minute commute to and from the course.
Spectators and local residents wishing to be dropped off near the championship will utilize the Passenger, Taxi or Limousine Drop-Off Zone, located at Sunset Primary School, accessed via Beckonridge Drive. Only 12-passenger and smaller vehicles are permitted to utilize the Drop-Off Zone. From the school, spectators will have a short five to10-minute walk to access Gate 2.
No spectator or disabled spectator parking will be available in the immediate vicinity of the golf course. All other parking is by permit only. Parking restrictions surrounding the championship grounds and within the City of University Place will be closely monitored and enforced. Information on road closures will be released at a later date.
Handicap-accessible parking spaces will be available at all championship parking areas for vehicles displaying appropriate HP/DP license plates or placards. Individuals requiring lift-equipped transportation are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at 1-800-698-0661 to obtain additional information.
Groups of spectators arriving at the championship by private coach bus or mini bus will be directed by law enforcement personnel to drop off passengers at the RED Lot (Washington State Fairgrounds), where U.S. Open shuttles will be available for transportation to and from the championship.
2015 U.S. Open Spectator Guidelines
Approximately 18,000 grandstand seats will be located at strategic viewing areas throughout the golf course. Due to limited viewing along rope lines, spectators will be encouraged to utilize grandstand seating to view golf rather than following a specific group. The championship grounds at Chambers Bay have significant elevation changes and uneven surfaces, and proper footwear will be recommended.
All spectators and championship attendees will go through security screening prior to entering the championship grounds. A detailed list of prohibited items is included within the 2015 U.S. Open Spectator Guide, such as signs, food and beverage containers, oversized chairs and coolers. Bags or backpacks should be no larger than 6 inches wide by 6 inches tall by 6 inches deep in their natural state. Transparent bags no larger than 12 inches wide by 12 inches tall by six inches deep will be permitted.
Mobile devices smaller than 7 inches will be permitted inside the championship grounds, as well as empty transparent, clear plastic water bottles no larger than 24 ounces in capacity. Cameras can only be used during practice rounds, Monday through Wednesday. Spectators can review course maps and complete guidelines in the 115th U.S. Open Spectator Guide at
www.usopen.com/knowbeforeyougo
