WEST SACRAMENTO-

More than 5,000 fans showed up to watch the River Cats play at Raley field Thursday. Although a River Cats spokesperson says that’s normal for an April mid-week game, some fans and ballpark employees tell FOX40 the low attendance is because of Fix50 congestion.

“It is never this empty here, it’s dead tonight” said Mariah Ruiz, who sells popcorn at Raley Field.

But despite rush hour congestion along Highway 50 leading up to Thursday night’s game, the River Cats have taken several steps to get fans to the park.

“What we don’t want is for people to be discouraged from coming to the games” said Mark Ling, a River Cats spokesperson.

An additional shuttle service run by regional transit began Thursday, leaving from 8th and N Streets downtown to Raley Field every 10-15 minutes. It will run for as long as the River Cats and Fix50 have to coexist.

“We have also set up a free bike valet,” Ling told FOX40.

Fans can park their bikes outside Raley Field on Ballpark Drive and a River Cats employee will watch them.

Saturday’s game against the El Paso Chihuahua’s is expected to be much more crowded. Ling’s advice is to come early.

Yolobus is offering discounted train tickets

RT is providing more train cars and more trains during the Fix50 construction

Cyclists can find Sacramento-area bike-friendly maps here

Video: Alternate Ways Around Fix50 Construction