The LYNX Blue Line Extension officially begins revenue service Friday, March 16. Starting at 9:30 a.m. at the UNC Charlotte Main Station, grand opening celebrations will take place along the extension throughout the day. Students are encouraged to come out to the UNC Charlotte Main Station to take full advantage of their CATS All-Access Pass to explore the city and all it offers.

Check out these opening day festivities taking place along the line:

UNC Charlotte Main Station

Wilson's World broadcast

6:30 to 9 a.m.

Start the day at the UNC Charlotte Main Station as WCCB’s Wilson’s World broadcasts live on location. IKEA will be on site with coffee and cinnamon buns during the broadcast.

UNC Charlotte’s Blue Line Extension Grand Opening Celebration

9:30 to 11 a.m.

At 9:30 a.m., the University will kick off its grand opening celebration with a ribbon cutting, free food, drinks and T-shirts, with the first train departing campus at 10 a.m. en route to UNC Charlotte's Center City Festival. Come out for a fun celebration and be one of the first to ride the train. Click here to RVSP.

9th Street Station (UNC Charlotte Center City)

UNC Charlotte’s Center City Festival

10 a.m. to noon

Experience the best of Uptown Charlotte. UNC Charlotte Center City, in conjunction with Center City Partners, Google Fiber and the 7th Street Market, will host Uptown’s grand opening celebration, which also serves as the destination of the first ride from main campus. Start at UNC Charlotte Center City for free food, drinks and swag bags along with a DJ and pop-up shops from local Charlotte vendors on the back lawn. Continue through First Ward Park to Google Fiber for more games, vendors and a virtual reality tour of Charlotte. Finish up at the 7th Street Market to explore the local retail, food and drink retailers. The first 100 students receive $5 Market Bucks to use at 7th Street Market.

36th Street Station (NoDa)

NoDa Festival

10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Board the train for the 36th Street Station for NoDa’s grand opening celebration. Festivities will take place throughout the day at the station including Smelly Cat Coffee, Reigning Doughnuts, local breweries, live local bands, food trucks, Charlotte Hornets and more.

Explore the restaurants, breweries, shops, galleries and performing arts venues of Charlotte’s thriving historic arts and entertainment district.

East/West Blvd Station (Historic South End)

Food Truck Friday

5 to 11 p.m.

Organizers anticipate this will be one of coolest events on the Rail Trail in Historic South End: Food Truck Friday. Get off at the East/West Boulevard Station to enjoy live music, craft beer, wine, cider and food trucks at Sycamore Brewing located at 2161 Hawkins St.