American Solar Challenge Display Day

Join us for an exciting showcase featuring nearly 20 collegiate solar cars right on the University of Minnesota campus! 🌍 For the first time, the university will serve as the official starting line for the American Solar Challenge — a challenging 1,500-mile cross-country solar car race!

Before the teams embark on their exciting journey across America, Northrop Mall will become a lively exhibition of innovative engineering and sustainability. Don't miss the chance to meet student engineering teams from across the nation, explore their custom-built solar vehicles up close, and discover the future of solar-powered transportation at this free community event! 🎉✨

Event Highlights:

• Showcase and Solar Charging: Teams will actively charge their vehicles, showcasing their solar arrays pointed towards the sun— a unique opportunity to glimpse the intricate inner workings and cockpit interiors of these amazing cars! 🔋☀️
• Live Car Judging (Afternoon - Timing TBD): Watch the official ASC judges evaluate various design and utility elements, focusing on driver comfort, accessibility, and cargo capacity for these multi-occupant vehicles. 🏆

Amenities & Accessibility:

• Public restroom facilities will be available next to the mall inside Walter Library. 🚻
• Convenient public parking is located in several nearby ramps, just a short walk away:
  • Church Street Garage (limited capacity)
  • Art Museum Garage, 333 East River Parkway
  • East River Road Garage, 385 East River Parkway
  • Washington Avenue Ramp, 501 Washington Ave. SE
    For maps and more information on parking, visit the Parking and Transportation website.
• Accessibility Drop-off: Guests with limited mobility can utilize designated drop-off areas along Pleasant St. SE (near Walter Library) or Pillsbury Drive SE (near Tate Laboratory of Physics). ♿

Public Transit Options:

• Metro Green Line LRT: Exit at East Bank Station, and Northrop Mall is just a 3-minute walk north of the platform.
• Metro Transit Buses: Multiple local and express routes service the Washington Ave. and Union St. intersection or the Coffman Union turnaround, just steps away from the event.

Don't forget to stop by the CSE table while you're exploring! Chat with alumni board volunteers and scan our quick check-in code to claim an exclusive alumni giveaway. 🎁

RSVP on Facebook — the restaurant may charge a fee for no-shows.