HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Street and Parking Lot Closures for RAGBRAI Entertainment RESOLUTION NO. 23-400
RESOLUTION APPROVING STREET AND PARKING LOT CLOSURES
FOR RAGBRAI ENTERTAINMENT
FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA
WHEREAS, on Tuesday, July 251h,the City will host the Register's Annual Great Bicycle
Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) as an overnight stop. Approximately 15,000 to 20,000 bicycle
riders and support individuals will be in Ames for the event. In conjunction with the ride,the Ames
Main Street(AMS) is coordinating the downtown entertainment component of the event; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed downtown entertainment will consist of musicians performing
on two stages, beer service, and food vendors. In addition, a portion of the downtown area will
serve as a venue for the bicycle repair shops that follow RAGBRAI across the state and set up
temporary tents to facilitate repairs; and,
WHEREAS, the entertainment will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. and continue until
11:00 p.m. Food truck sales will begin at 2:00 p.m. and the four beer tents will begin sales at 2:30
p.m. Patrons must present their ID to obtain a wristband, then purchase beer tickets prior to
obtaining alcohol. The wristband and beer tickets can be obtained within the event area or in
advance at either the official RAGBRAI Welcome Area east of Jack Trice Stadium or the Main
Campground in Brookside Park. Beer ticket sales will conclude at 10:00 p.m. and the beer tents
will conclude service at 10:30 p.m.; and,
WHEREAS, four bands will perform on the main stage and four will perform on the
secondary stage. The headliner,Hairball,will begin performing on the main stage at 8:30 p.m. and
will conclude at 10:30 p.m. The secondary stage music will conclude at 11:00 p.m.; and,
WHEREAS,it is anticipated that 15,000 people will attend the event in total;the attendance
at any one time is expected to be several thousand fewer. Shuttles will be provided between
downtown and the various camping areas located around the community. Bike parking will be
established along 5th Street north of the entertainment area; and,
WHEREAS, to facilitate this event, the closure of the following streets and parking lots is
requested from 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24th through 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26th: Main
Street, from just east of the Wells Fargo drive-through entrance to the east entrance to the CBD lot
on the 100 block; Burnett Avenue, from Main Street to the U.S. Bank drive-through entrance;
Kellogg Avenue, from the CBD lot to Main north to 51h Street; Douglas Avenue between Main
Street and 5th Street; and Tom Evans Plaza; and,
WHEREAS,providing an entertainment area for RAGBRAI participants is an expectation
of any community serving as a RAGBRAI overnight stop, and centralizing that entertainment area
provides advantages in managing the entertainment and the crowds that will participate; and,
WHEREAS, the proposed event provides an opportunity to showcase the Ames Main
Street area of Ames for RAGBRAI participants; and,
WHEREAS,AMS has taken extraordinary steps to evaluate risks, implement practices that
will reduce or eliminate risks, and provide a significant staff, volunteer, and professional security
staff presence to manage this event. It is clear that these measures exceed the typical safety
measures that would be expected for an event.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa,
that the aforementioned street closures for RAGBRAI entertainment are hereby approved.
ADOPTED THIS 1 Ith day of July, 2023.
Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor
Introduced by: Gartin
Seconded by: Rollins
Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins
Voting nay: None Absent: Betcher
Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 1 Ith day of July, 2023.