THE 317: Colleges help their students get in on the Big Game festivities
Ball State University student Joe Bird wasn’t considering heading down to the Super Bowl Village.
He didn’t want to deal with the traffic or the parking fees. Now he doesn’t have to, thanks to a shuttle that will run between campus and the Super festivities. Star of America transportation service will offer rides from the Ball State University Student Center to the Super Bowl Village in Indianapolis between Feb. 1-4.
The round-trip tickets will cost $25.
“Considering how expensive parking would be, I don’t think $25 is overwhelming for any college student,” Bird said. “I’ve been talking to friends about going now.”
But here’s the catch: If you are not a current college student, you better get one to go with you. The service is designed for college students “and their guests” according to the Star of America website. If you are not a college student, you must be accompanied by one “with a valid ID” from an Indiana college.
Lana Porter, who is not a Ball State student, said she wishes the shuttle was open to everyone, but understands that seats are limited.
“This way, more Ball State students will be sure to get a seat,” she said, adding that she will be calling her niece — a BSU student — right away to make sure she gets one for her.
Star of America already offers regular rides to downtown Indy, as well as the airport, from the BSU campus and the local Hampton Inn. Those tickets are $19.
The Super Muncie committee will help get the word out about the shuttle service.
“It’s a great deal,” said Ty Morton, a Super Muncie member. “You get dropped off right at the Super Bowl Village, so you don’t have to worry about parking, and the buses are heated and have Wi-Fi.”
Morton did say last week that he was hoping the shuttle would pick up and return to the official local Super Bowl welcome site, the Muncie Mall.
Star of America, which is based in Bloomington, is also offering shuttle service from Indiana and Purdue universities. The company did not respond to several phone calls seeking comment.