Back To The Ballpark: Muddy Shuttle Runs On Opening Day

As the Toledo Mud Hens look to put together back-to-back winning seasons, TARTA's Muddy Shuttle is back for another year to make sure fans can pitch around parking fees.

Give transit a try by hopping on the Muddy Shuttle at one of five area park-and-ride locations for a $3 round-trip ride to Fifth Third Field. The Muddy Shuttle is in action for 17 games this season, including Opening Day Tuesday, April 7 against the St. Paul Saints.

“The Mud Hens bring more than 450,000 fans downtown over the course of every season, and we’re so excited to get as many of them to Fifth Third Field as we can,” said TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski. “Opening Day is one of our favorite days of the year. Our 55^th anniversary this year gives us the chance to reflect on TARTA’s connections to every Toledo area tradition, and this is certainly part of that, as the Mud Hens are such a big piece of summer in this area.

“This team brings a great brand of baseball and family-friendly entertainment to its fans. What we want to do is make sure that everyone has access to ballgames and events like it. We want to ensure that everyone – regardless of economic status, mobility challenge or access to a personal vehicle – can enjoy everything that makes this such a great place to live.”

First pitch on Opening Day is set for 4:05 p.m. Pick-up times and locations for the Muddy Shuttle include:

• Sylvania, Franciscan Center, 6832 Convent Blvd., departs 90 minutes before first pitch
• Waterville, Kroger, 8730 Waterville Swanton Road, departs 90 minutes before first pitch
• Miracle Mile Shopping Center, 1727 West Laskey Road, departs 60 minutes before first pitch
• Maumee, Lucas County Recreation Center, 2901 Key Street, departs 60 minutes before first pitch
• Oregon, Starr Elementary School, 3230 Starr Avenue, departs 60 minutes before first pitch  

In addition to Opening Day, the shuttle will run for every Friday and Saturday home game after Memorial Day. Return trips to park-and-ride locations will depart Fifth Third Field 20 minutes after the game or postgame fireworks.

Other Muddy Shuttle dates in 2026 (all 7:05 p.m. starts), include:

• June 12-13: vs. St. Paul Saints
• July 3-4: vs. Iowa Cubs
• July 17-18: vs. Gwinnett Stripers
• July 24-25: vs. Louisville Bats
• August 7-8: vs. Omaha Royals
• August 21-22: vs. Iowa Cubs
• September 4-5: vs. Indianapolis Indians
• September 18-19: vs. Louisville Bats