8/9/24

Saints vs. Panthers: Your Ultimate Game Day Parking Guide for the Caesars Superdome
Alright, let's talk about heading to the Caesars Superdome for a Saints game. The energy, the "Who Dat!" chants, the absolute sea of black & gold—it's an experience like no other. But let's be honest, figuring out the parking situation can be a TOTAL headache if you don't have a game plan. You want to be hyped up for the game, not stressed out from circling the block for an hour.
I've been there, done that, & learned a few things along the way. So, here’s the inside scoop on how to navigate the parking chaos for the next big Saints vs. Panthers showdown. This is your ultimate guide to making game day smooth, from official lots to secret spots & everything in between.

The Official Superdome Parking: Convenience at a Price

First up, the most obvious choice: the official Caesars Superdome parking garages. The stadium is managed by ASM Global, & they have a pretty big setup with seven parking garages (#1, #1A, #2, #2A, #5, #6, & Champions Garage) & two surface lots (Lot 3 & Lot 4) right next to the stadium & the Smoothie King Center.
The Good: You absolutely cannot beat the convenience. You’re right there, just a short walk from the gates. No need to worry about a long trek after a nail-biting game.
The Not-So-Good: This convenience comes at a STEEP price. For a big game, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $100. It’s also cashless, so you'll need a credit or debit card. These spots, especially the ones available for single-game purchase, fill up incredibly fast. Season ticket holders snag a lot of them, so the public availability is limited. Arrive EARLY if you want a shot.
New Security Info: Heads up, the NFL has ramped up security. If you have a pass for the A, B, or C lanes of Garages 1, 2, 5, & 6, or the ADA lots, your vehicle will be subject to an EOD canine sweep before you even enter the garage. It’s all for safety, but it’s something to be aware of so you can have your parking pass ready for traffic police to direct you.
How to Book: You can try to pre-purchase a spot through the Caesars Superdome website, which is a smart move if you’re set on this option.

Nearby Garages & Lots: The Smart Money's On Pre-Booking

This, in my opinion, is the sweet spot for game day parking. There are dozens of private lots & garages scattered around the Superdome that offer a great balance of walking distance & price. The real pro tip here is to use a parking app to book your spot in advance.
Platforms like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, & ParkMobile are game-changers. You can see a map of available spots, compare prices, & book your space weeks or even months ahead of time. You’ll get a digital pass on your phone, & you can roll up to the garage knowing your spot is guaranteed. Seriously, it takes so much stress out of the equation. Plus, you can often save a good chunk of money compared to the drive-up rates, which can be as high as 50% off.
Here are some popular & reliable options you'll likely see on these apps, with typical walking times:
  • 1301 Girod Street Garage: A well-lit & secure garage just a 6-10 minute walk away. A super popular choice.
  • 1200 Poydras Street Garage (Dave & Buster's Garage): About an 11-minute walk, great location & often has good availability.
  • 300 Lasalle St. – Heal Garage: Also about an 11-minute walk, helps you avoid some of the worst traffic right by the Dome.
  • 400 Loyola Ave. – Lot P167: A surface lot that's about a 13-minute walk. Easy access & lets you dodge some congestion.
  • 1001 Loyola Ave. – Union Passenger Terminal: A bit of a longer walk (around 17 minutes), but it’s often a more affordable & easily accessible option.
Prices for these can range from about $18 to $40+, depending on the lot's proximity & the game's demand.
Here's another great option to consider: Prked. It's a pretty cool platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who have empty driveways or garages to rent out. You can often find a safe, affordable spot in a residential area that's just a short walk from the stadium. It feels a little more like an insider's secret & can be a fantastic way to avoid the crowded commercial garages altogether. It’s a super convenient solution, especially when the main lots are full or you're looking for a better deal.

The Tailgating Conundrum: What’s a Fan to Do?

Okay, tailgating in New Orleans is a sacred ritual, but it gets tricky around the Superdome. The official rules can be a bit confusing. Some official Superdome guides say tailgating is allowed in the parking garages but comes with a long list of restrictions: you have to stay within your single parking space, no open flames (that means no charcoal or gas grills), no glass containers, & you must pack up by kickoff.
However, other official sources flat-out state that tailgating is NOT permitted on Superdome property & instead direct fans to Champions Square for pre-game festivities.
So, what's the real deal? The ultra-strict rules in the official garages (especially the no-grill rule) make traditional tailgating almost impossible. Most seasoned fans know that the REAL pre-game party isn't in the garages.
  • Champions Square: This is the officially sanctioned pre-game zone. It’s a massive 60,000-square-foot outdoor plaza right next to the Dome with giant screens, live music, & tons of food & drink vendors from famous local spots. It’s a blast & has a great atmosphere, but it’s not the same as your own setup.
  • Unofficial Tailgating Lots: Many fans find private lots in the Central Business District or along Loyola Avenue & South Rampart Street that are more permissive of traditional tailgating. The key is to get there EARLY—like, really early—because these spots are first-come, first-served & fill up with die-hard tailgaters. Be prepared for "Special Event" pricing.
  • RV Tailgating: This is TOUGH. RVs & other oversized vehicles are not allowed in the garages. Surface Lot 3 is your best bet, but it's extremely limited & you can't stay overnight.

Ditching the Car Altogether: Public Transit & Ridesharing

Honestly, sometimes the best parking spot is the one you don't have to look for at all. New Orleans has some solid public transit options that can get you close to the action without the parking hassle.
  • RTA Streetcars: This is such a classic New Orleans experience. The Loyola Avenue streetcar line (Route 49) is your best friend on game day. It drops you off at the Union Passenger Terminal, which is just a short, easy walk to the Superdome. It's cheap, efficient, & you get to see a bit of the city.
  • RTA Buses: Several bus routes (like the 16, 51, & 91) stop near the Superdome. You can use the RTA's trip planner app to figure out the best route from where you're staying.
  • Ridesharing (Uber/Lyft): This is a super convenient option, but you need to be smart about it. There are designated drop-off & pick-up zones, usually along Poydras Street & LaSalle Street, to keep traffic moving. Pro Tip: After the game, walk a few blocks away from the stadium before you request your ride. The area immediately around the Dome will be a surge-pricing nightmare with long waits. A short walk can save you time & money.

The Risky Business of Street Parking

I have to mention street parking, but with a HUGE word of caution. On game days, finding an open spot near the Superdome is like finding a golden ticket. It's extremely limited & highly sought after. If you DO get lucky, you have to read every single sign like you're studying for a final exam. Towing is aggressive, & nothing ruins a win like coming back to an empty curb where your car used to be. For the stress it causes, I honestly don't think it's worth it.

ADA/Accessible Parking

For fans who need it, the Superdome is ADA compliant. Accessible parking is available, but like all other spots, it's limited & operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Locations: You'll find ADA spots in the ADA East & West lots on Sugar Bowl Drive & on Level 1 of Garage 1A.
  • Requirements: You absolutely need a proper, current disabled parking placard or license plate that matches your ID to use these spots.
  • Drop-Off/Pick-Up: There's a designated drop-off area at the Gate A entrance on Sugar Bowl Drive. It can get congested, but it's there for you.

Final Thoughts & Insider Tips

  • Arrive Early, Leave Late: No matter where you park, the single best piece of advice is to get to the area early. Beat the traffic, soak in the atmosphere, maybe grab a bite. After the game, don't be in a rush. Hang out, let the crowds disperse, & save yourself the headache of sitting in a gridlocked parking garage.
  • Fan Secret Spot: I saw a tip on a fan forum that I have to share. A veteran fan swears by the lot next to the Tulane hospital garage. They said it's about $30, has security, is only a 4-minute walk, &—this is the best part—it has a super easy exit onto I-10, so you're not stuck in post-game traffic for an hour. That’s the kind of insider knowledge that can make a HUGE difference.
  • Go Digital: Have your tickets & your parking pass saved to your phone's wallet before you even leave. It makes everything smoother. The Superdome is a cashless venue now, so cards or phone payments are a must.
Planning your parking is just as important as planning your tailgate menu. A little bit of research & pre-booking can completely change your game day experience from a stressful mess to a smooth, fun-filled day.
Hope this was helpful. Now go enjoy the game & Geaux Saints! Let me know what you think in the comments.
;