New transportation solutions arriving at World Market Center on a number of fronts

World Market Center executives are taking aggressive steps to accommodate future growth and increased traffic flow brought on by the expanding home furnishings campus.

A new two-way roadway has been completed and construction has started on a new parking garage. In addition, a partnership has been created with transportation services company Gameday to better alleviate traffic problems for the Summer 2007 Las Vegas Market and beyond.

As the market’s popularity and attendance grows, managing traffic surging in and out of WMC’s complex at 495 South Grand Central Parkway in Las Vegas is an especially high priority, said Gerry Sawyer, WMC chief operating officer. “The major issue as WMC adds buildings is planning major avenues of travel. Every time we add a building, we increase our vehicle input by a large percentage.” Building B opened in January 2007, and Building C will open in 2008, along with a new parking garage.

Enhanced transportation plan
WMC recently partnered with the Orlando, Fla.-based Gameday Management Group, a special event transportation services company, to implement an enhanced transportation and traffic plan for the Summer 2007 Las Vegas Market, which will be the largest market in WMC’s history.

Gameday is a leader in transportation solutions for sporting and special events around the country and world. Founded in 1994, Gameday provides a host of services built to improve the efficiency of transportation at special events, including successful traffic management planning, installation of travel demand management tools (www.clickandpark.com) and efficient shuttle system operations. Gameday personnel have orchestrated traffic and transportation improvement efforts for events such as the Super Bowl, the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Daytona 500 and the 2005 Presidential Inauguration, in addition to providing online parking permit services for the International Builders Show and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Gameday executives attended the Winter Las Vegas Market to study plans and gain a view of the traffic situation. “We’re excited to begin helping WMC better organize traffic flow for its attendees, exhibitors and employees,” said Tony Vitrano, owner of Gameday Management Group. “Our comprehensive approach takes everyone into account and ensures that we plan appropriately for the many types of events and visitors that will come to Vegas’ newest and soon-to-be largest trade show complex.”

For the Summer 2007 Market, an air-conditioned, complimentary M-Line shuttle service will be offered from all host hotels to WMC’s campus and the trade show taking place at the Sands Expo. There also will be more shade structures and adjustments to the way shuttles, taxis and personal vehicles are staged for greater efficiency, speed and flow.

Gameday and WMC are also working on an interactive system to survey Summer 2007 Market attendees about their transportation and direct them through pre-Market communications toward their best options. Gameday’s complete online “click and park” program will be in place by the Winter 2008 Market.

Discovery drive opens
WMC executives are thrilled about the new $3.6-million Discovery Drive roadway project in downtown Las Vegas, which opened in February 2007.

Located north of Alta Drive in Las Vegas, the new portion of Discovery Drive starts at Martin L. King Boulevard and extends east under Interstate 15 to connect to Grand Central Parkway with two travel lanes in each direction. “With Discovery Drive, we now literally have an extra avenue to our back door and quicker access for some Market attendees, which allows us to split the flow of traffic,” Sawyer said.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar B. Goodman agrees. “As the city continues to redevelop downtown Las Vegas into a world class destination to live, work and play, access to this booming area is crucial,” said Goodman. “Discovery Drive is another way that visitors and residents will be able to access WMC and Union Park.”

More parking on the way
Now under construction is a $60-million, eight-story parking garage located in the heart of WMC’s complex. It sits on nearly six acres with 175,000 square feet on each level. The garage will be completed by July 2008, in conjunction with next summer’s Las Vegas Market.

Robert Holgate, WMC director of forward planning, said the parking garage will be immediately north of the third building, which is currently under construction.

“The parking garage will help us accommodate our growth as new phases and new buildings come online,” Holgate said, adding that WMC designed the garage with convenience and accessibility in mind. “The parking garage is located in the heart of WMC’s campus with easy accessibility to all of the buildings through temperature-controlled walkways and common areas.”