American Solar Challenge Display Day

Catch nearly 20 collegiate solar cars lined up right on campus! For the first time ever, the University of Minnesota will serve as the official starting line for the American Solar Challenge — a grueling, 1,500-mile cross-country solar car race. Before the teams launch their journey across America, Northrop Mall will transform into a public showcase of cutting-edge engineering and sustainability. Come meet the student engineering teams from across the nation, check out their custom-built vehicles up close and learn more about the future of solar-powered transportation at this free community event.

Be sure to stop by the CSE table while you're exploring! Chat with our alumni board volunteers and scan our quick check-in code to claim an exclusive alumni giveaway.
 

Event Highlights and What to Expect

• The Showcase and Solar Charging: Teams will be actively charging their vehicles. Their solar arrays will be pointed up toward the sun, giving visitors a fantastic, rare view of the intricate inner workings and cockpit interiors of the cars.
• Live Car Judging (Afternoon - Timing TBD): Catch the official ASC judges in action during the afternoon. The judges will be testing and scoring practical design and utility elements, evaluating factors like driver comfort, accessibility and how much cargo or luggage can fit inside the multi-occupant vehicles.
• Amenities: Public restroom facilities will be open and accessible right next to the mall inside Walter Library.
   

Parking and Transportation 

Public parking is conveniently located in several parking ramps just a short walk from Northrop Mall:

Church Street Garage (very limited capacity), 80 Church St. SE
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 locations and pricing, visit the Parking and Transportation website.

Accessibility and Drop-Off: Guests with limited mobility or those requiring an accessible path to the mall can utilize the passenger drop-off areas along Pleasant St. SE (near Walter Library) or Pillsbury Drive SE (near the Tate Laboratory of Physics).

Skip the traffic and parking fees by taking public transit directly to the heart of campus: 

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

Inclement Weather Plan

Display Day is scheduled to take place rain or shine!

• Minor Rain: The showcase will continue outdoors as planned on the sidewalks of Northrop Mall (though solar arrays may be covered for safety).
• Severe Weather: The showcase will move entirely indoors to the University of Minnesota Field House (1800 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455). 

Note: Official weather-related venue calls are determined by American Solar Challenge officials.
 

Can’t Make it to Campus?

If you are living outside the Twin Cities or are unable to join us on Friday afternoon, you can still champion our student engineers from afar!

• Follow the Race: Keep up with live tracking, daily route standings and official weather updates by following @AmericanSolarChallenge on Facebook/Instagram.
• Support the Team: Fuel the UMN Solar Vehicle Project's cross-country journey and help them cross the finish line by visiting the UMN Solar Vehicle Project Crowdfunding Campaign.