SAN DIEGO — Officials with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) suggest getting an early jump for participants in today’s Big Bay Balloon Parade downtown and Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. While trolley service is being expanded for today’s festivities, MTS officials anticipate high ridership. As a result, the MTS is recommending fans begin their special-event trips extra early to ensure on-time arrival, urging departure at least three hours before the Holiday Bowl and two hours before the parade: • Port of San Diego/Big Bay Balloon Parade: MTS trolley officials advise those going to the parade to board trolleys bound for downtown between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. to ensure they are downtown in time to see parade begin at 10 a.m. • Holiday Bowl game: Fans are urged to board trolleys bound for Qualcomm between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in order to see the Nebraska vs.Washington kickoff at 7 p.m. Fans can park for free at MTS park-and-rides to avoid traffic and save money while enjoying the events, but lots near the stadium, like Grantville, Hazard Center, Morena/Linda Vista, Old Town, 70th Street, and Grossmont are expected to fill up by 5 p.m. Blue Line and Green Line trolley service will be expanded to accommodate the extra ridership, said officials. For more information on special event services or to purchase tickets, call 5-1-1 or visit www.sdmts.com.