March 9, 2005

Metro is preparing this week for the ACC Men's College Basketball Tournament at the MCI Center, from Thursday, March 10, to Sunday, March 13. To accommodate the large crowds expected at the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail station (Red, Yellow and Green Lines), Metro will do the following:

Continue to operate six-car Metrorail trains on Thursday and Friday after the AM rush hour period.

Assign additional station managers and personnel to the Gallery Place-Chinatown 7^th and F Street entrance.

Please note the ACC Tournament schedule of games:

• Thursday games at 12, 2 and 7 p.m.
• Friday games at 12, 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
• Saturday games at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
• Sunday's final championship game at 1 p.m.

During the ACC Tournament, customers can do their part to help ensure that their trip is more pleasant by remembering the following travel tips:

Regular commuters who work near the MCI Center are urged to use the other Gallery Place-Chinatown Metrorail stations entrances at 9^th and G Street N.W. and 7^th and H Street N.W., or to use the Judiciary Square station at 5^th and F Street to avoid the crowds.

Customers should allow extra time for travel when there are larger than usual numbers of people using Metrorail and Metrobus.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase round-trip farecards or to make sure their Smartrip cards have the appropriate value when they first enter the Metrorail system to avoid long lines on return trips.

Visitors utilizing Metro's parking facilities on Thursday and Friday are reminded to purchase a SmarTrip card prior to entering the Metrorail system. Parking fees at Metro operated parking lots must be paid by using a SmarTrip card. Parking is free on the weekends.

Patience and courtesy will be essential when traveling during this time; many customers will be first-time users of Metrorail and will need extra help in getting around the system.