A Fan's Guide to Game Day Parking Near the Stadium
Let's be real for a second. You've got the tickets, you've got your jersey on, & you're buzzing with that pre-game excitement. The only thing standing between you & a day of cheering on your team is the absolute nightmare that is game day parking. We've all been there: circling endlessly, watching the clock tick closer to kickoff, & then paying an outrageous amount of money for a spot that feels like it's in a different zip code. Honestly, it can put a damper on the whole experience before it even begins.
But what if I told you it doesn't have to be that way? What if there was a way to outsmart the system, save some serious cash, & get your game day started on the right foot? Well, you're in luck. I've spent more time than I'd like to admit figuring out the ins & outs of stadium parking, & I'm here to share everything I've learned. This is your insider's guide to navigating the wild world of game day parking.
The Cold, Hard Facts About Stadium Parking Costs
First, let's talk about the elephant in the parking lot: the price. It's not just your imagination; stadium parking has gotten astronomically expensive. We're talking about prices that can rival the cost of a ticket itself.
Turns out, the average cost to park at an NFL game is around $38.56, but that's just the average. At some stadiums, you're looking at a much steeper price. For example, parking for a San Francisco 49ers game can set you back over $100. The Dallas Cowboys & Washington Commanders aren't far behind, with parking fees in the $70-$80 range. It's not just the NFL, either. Parking for big concerts & other major events can be just as pricey. And it's not just the official lots. Private lots near the stadium often charge just as much, if not more, for the convenience of being a little bit closer.
This is where the frustration really sets in. You're already spending a lot of money on tickets, food, & drinks. The last thing you want to do is shell out another $50, $80, or even $100 just to park your car. It feels like you're being taken advantage of, & frankly, you are. But here's the thing: you don't have to play their game.
Outsmarting the System: Tips & Tricks for Game Day Parking
The good news is that with a little bit of planning, you can avoid the headache & the high costs of game day parking. Here are some of my go-to strategies:
Arrive EARLY
This one might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people wait until the last minute to head to the stadium. Arriving at least three or four hours before the game starts is a game-changer. The lots will be less crowded, you'll have your pick of the better spots, & you'll have plenty of time to tailgate & soak in the atmosphere. Plus, you'll avoid that last-minute traffic jam that always seems to form right outside the stadium.
Think Outside the Official Lots
The official stadium lots are always the most expensive & the most crowded. Don't be afraid to venture a little further out. There are often plenty of private lots, garages, & even residential driveways that offer parking for a fraction of the price. A little bit of a walk can save you a whole lot of money.
This is where a little-known secret comes in handy: Prked. Here's the thing, there are tons of homeowners who live near stadiums with empty driveways or garages just sitting there. Prked is a pretty cool platform that connects fans looking for a convenient & affordable place to park with these homeowners. You can find a spot that's just a short walk from the stadium, often for a fraction of the cost of the official lots. It's a win-win: you get a great parking spot, & a local resident earns some extra cash. It's a MUCH better alternative to circling the block & hoping for the best.
Embrace Public Transportation
If you really want to avoid the parking nightmare altogether, public transportation is your best friend. Most major cities have train or bus lines that will drop you off right at the stadium's doorstep. It's cheap, it's easy, & you don't have to worry about a thing. Plus, you can enjoy a few extra beers without having to worry about who's going to drive home.
Pre-Book Your Spot
In today's digital world, there's no reason to leave your parking to chance. There are a bunch of apps & websites that allow you to book your parking spot in advance. This is a HUGE stress reliever. You'll know exactly where you're going, how much you're paying, & that your spot will be waiting for you when you get there. No more circling, no more stress.
The Rise of Peer-to-Peer Parking: A Game Changer for Fans & Homeowners
The concept of peer-to-peer parking, which is the whole idea behind Prked, is really revolutionizing the game day experience. It's part of the sharing economy, just like Airbnb or Uber, & it's a simple but brilliant idea.
For the Fans: A Better Parking Experience
For fans, the benefits of using a service like Prked are pretty obvious. First & foremost, you're going to save money. As we've already seen, official stadium parking can be incredibly expensive. By parking in a private driveway or garage, you can often cut your parking costs in half, or even more.
But it's not just about the money. It's also about the convenience. With Prked, you can browse a map of available spots, see how far they are from the stadium, & book your spot in just a few clicks. No more driving around in circles, no more dealing with cash-only lots, & no more wondering if you're going to find a spot at all. You can even find spots that are closer to the stadium than some of the official lots.
For the Homeowners: A Golden Opportunity
If you're a homeowner who lives near a stadium, you're literally sitting on a goldmine. That empty driveway or garage of yours is a valuable asset, & Prked makes it incredibly easy to turn it into a source of passive income.
Think about it: you can earn hundreds of dollars on game days just by letting someone park in your driveway. All you have to do is create a listing on Prked, set your price, & watch the bookings roll in. It's a great way to make some extra money without having to do much of anything at all. Plus, you're helping out a fellow fan by providing them with a safe, affordable, & convenient place to park.
And it's not just for parking cars. If you have extra space in your garage, attic, or basement, you can also use Prked to rent it out as a storage solution. People are always looking for affordable storage options, & your unused space could be the perfect solution. It's another great way to earn some passive income from an asset you already have.
The Ultimate Tailgating Guide: Everything You Need for the Perfect Pre-Game Party
Okay, so you've got your parking situation sorted out. Now it's time for the fun part: the tailgate. A great tailgate is about more than just food & drinks; it's a tradition, a ritual, & an essential part of the game day experience. Here's everything you need to know to throw an epic pre-game party:
The Essentials: Your Tailgating Checklist
A successful tailgate is all about being prepared. Here's a checklist of must-have items:
- The Grill: Whether you're a charcoal purist or a propane fanatic, a portable grill is a must. Don't forget the fuel, lighter, & grilling tools.
- The Food: Burgers, hot dogs, & brats are the classics for a reason. But don't be afraid to get creative. Think about pre-prepping as much as you can at home to make things easier on game day.
- The Drinks: A cooler packed with ice, beer, soda, & water is non-negotiable.
- The Seating: Folding chairs & a portable table are essential for comfort & convenience.
- The Entertainment: A football to toss around, a cornhole set, & a portable speaker for some pre-game tunes are all great options.
- The Gear: Don't forget your team's flags, banners, & anything else you need to show your team spirit.
- The Cleanup Crew: Trash bags, paper towels, & hand sanitizer are a must.
Tailgating Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules of the Parking Lot
To ensure that everyone has a good time, there are a few unwritten rules of tailgating that everyone should follow:
- Be a Good Neighbor: Don't block other people's spots or blast your music so loud that it's shaking their car. Be respectful of your fellow fans.
- Clean Up After Yourself: This is a big one. Leave your spot cleaner than you found it. No one wants to see a parking lot full of trash.
- Pace Yourself: It's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't go too hard too early & end up missing the game.
- Know the Rules: Every stadium has its own rules about tailgating. Make sure you know what's allowed & what's not before you go.
The Final Whistle
So there you have it: your complete guide to conquering game day parking. It might seem like a small thing, but getting your parking situation figured out can make a HUGE difference in your overall game day experience. No more stress, no more outrageous prices, & no more missing the kickoff because you're stuck in traffic.
By using a little bit of strategy, thinking outside the box, & embracing new solutions like Prked, you can turn one of the most frustrating parts of game day into a total breeze. So next time you're heading to the stadium, give some of these tips a try. I promise you won't regret it.
Hope this was helpful, & happy tailgating! Let me know what you think.
