Look out for heavy traffic in downtown Phoenix with Suns playoff game, D-backs home tilt

PHOENIX — It’s another two-game night in downtown Phoenix, so those heading in for the Phoenix Suns playoff game and Arizona Diamondbacks home tilt should expect heavy traffic.

The Suns and Dallas Mavericks tip off Game 5 of their second-round series at 7 p.m. at Footprint Center.

Down the street 20 minutes earlier will be first pitch of the D-backs and Miami Marlins at Chase Field.

Those going to the Suns game or Rally Beach who want to avoid driving in traffic can get a free ride to the arena on the light rail with their ticket.

Plan ahead because light rail service is coming less frequently than normal due to construction on the South Central Extension/Downtown Hub project.

Trains will come every 20 minutes compared with the normal 12 minutes on weekdays.

Only the stations at Van Buren Street/First Avenue, Jefferson Street/First Avenue and Third and Jefferson streets will be in operation Tuesday due to the construction.

In the past, the Suns have offered parking suggestions to fans coming to games while the D-backs are also in action.

Those coming from the East Valley can opt to use Interstate 10 to Seventh Street and then find parking on the east side of the arena.

West Valley fans can take I-10 to Seventh Avenue and then park on the west side of the arena.

Southeast Valley fans are asked to use Interstate 17 to Seventh Street then park on the southeast side of the arena.

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