How to get to Hockey Day? Park and take a free bus

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Final preparations are being made for Hockey Day Minnesota at Lake George. Jason Wachter, jwachter@stcloudtimes.com

You're here for hockey. How do you get there? 

Metro Bus can help. The local public transit system is offering free shuttle buses throughout Hockey Day weekend.

The shuttles will serve events at Lake George and the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on Friday and Saturday. 

The routes will operate continuously, about every 10 minutes. Look for "HDM Shuttle Stop" signs posted along the routes to find pickup points. 

Fans can also ride one of St. Cloud's more than 12 fixed bus routes. For more information, visit ridemetrobus.com/home/maps-schedules. 

RELATED: Your ultimate guide to Hockey Day Minnesota

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Hockey Day Minnesota is coming to St. Cloud in 2018. Here's where the day devoted to hockey in our state has called home in previous years. Wochit

Parking

There is some street parking available, but that will fill out fast. There are meters, but they only require payment through 6 p.m. Friday and are open all day Saturday. 

There are public parking options downtown along the shuttle route and at various lots on the St. Cloud State Campus. 

The parking lot the Cathedral of St. Mary will be open at 5 p.m. Friday for the public and all day Saturday. 

Some lots will be open to the public on the St. Cloud State University campus, because of other sporting events. Parking ramps will be open for pay parking. Other parking restrictions apply, so read the signage if you don't want a ticket. 

On Friday, lots near the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center and Halenbeck Hall will be open at 4 p.m. On Saturday, similar lots will be open around noon. They are lots K, M, N and R. For a St. Cloud State map, visit stcloudstate.edu/campusmap/parking/default.aspx. 

North route

The north route will run between downtown St. Cloud and Lake George. 

Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Sunday. 

South route

The south route will run between Lake George, on East Lake Boulevard near the main gate, to outside the National Hockey Center on Fourth Avenue South. 

Hours: 4-5 p.m., 8-9 p.m., Saturday.

Fixed routes

Fans can also ride Metro Bus's fixed routes from about 5 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. Times vary by route, so check schedules at  ridemetrobus.com/home/maps-schedules. 

Cost: Fares are $1.25 per ride and you do not need exact change. Bills up to $20 are accepted. One-day passes are available for $4.25. 

For more information, visit ridemetrobus.com/home/fares.

For fans with disabilities

All buses are wheelchair accessible. People with disabilities who aren't able to ride the fixed routes for various reasons can use Dial-a-Ride services. Visit ridemetrobus.com/home/dial-a-ride or call 251-7433 for more information.