LAST UPDATED ON OCT. 2, 2021 AT 10:36 AM | 3 MINUTE READ
Stadium parking or offsite parking?
Despite what people may suggest, your choice doesn’t reflect how much of an NFL fan you are.
Instead, your decision is based on budget & time constraints, as well as your pre and post game preferences.
So without further ado, let’s dive right into the pros & cons of each…
Stadium parking
Pros:
- It’s closer to the stadium (most of the time), so you’re usually a short walk away from the entrance.
- You can tailgate to your heart’s content, before and after the game.
- You’re among thousands of fellow fans. It’s like a colossal block party, and you’ll never know who you may meet.
Cons:
- Exit traffic gridlock. This is no joke – it can take you up to an hour just to get out of the lot. For fans that need to go to work the next morning, this is the last thing you need following a night game.
- While tailgating is supremely fun, it can occasionally get out of hand when there’s alcohol involved (and there usually is). So yes, there will be times when you don’t want to be thisclose to rowdy, drunken tailgaters.
- Typically, the closer you park to the stadium, the more you have to pay.
Offsite parking
Pros:
- While vehicular congestion outside the venue ground is inevitable, at least you get to avoid the stadium lot exit traffic.
- You get to save money. Lots of it. See below.
Cons:
- It can be a considerable distance from the stadium, so if long walks aren’t your thing…
- Tailgating may not be permitted.
- Safety, for yourself and your car, can be an issue with non-attended parking facilities.
Note: We define [official] stadium parking as lots that are either:
- Owned by the team, or
- Work in conjunction with the team, and as such, are endorsed on the club or venue’s website.
However, we should point out that some authorized lots are off site. The clarification is necessary, since this site uses the terms “stadium parking” and “onsite parking” interchangeably. Besides, it would be more confusing if we also made references to “offsite stadium parking”.
How much can you save by forgoing stadium parking?
As much as $271 (!).
In the table below are some randomly selected games, along with the amount you’d save with offsite parking:
| Game | Date | Stadium Parking | Offsite Parking | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas at New England | 10/31/2021 | $301 | $30 | $271 |
| Tampa Bay at New England | 10/3/2021 | $291 | $48 | $243 |
| Pittsburgh at Green Bay | 10/3/2021 | $246 | $25 | $221 |
| Cincinnati at Detroit | 10/17/2021 | $219 | $8 | $211 |
| NY Giants at New Orleans | 10/3/2021 | $166 | $6 | $160 |
| San Francisco at Chicago | 10/31/2021 | $167 | $8 | $159 |
| Kansas City at Tennessee | 10/24/2021 | $147 | $15 | $132 |
Stadium parking represents the cheapest available authorized listing, while Offsite Parking is the best price for a spot within a mile of the venue.
Not too shabby, eh? Savings like this opens up a world of possibilities. For instance, you could upgrade your seats if you so desire. Or you could just pocket the savings.
Reserve your offsite parking spot for your next game now.
Conclusion
- For fans that tailgate religiously, stadium parking is the preferable option. Unless, of course, you can find an off-site spot that permits tailgating at a good price.
- If money and/or time is a concern, then offsite parking is the way to go.