NFL draft turns parking into a payday
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Parking will be at a premium near the NFL draft next week, and even unlikely players like animal shelters, public schools and private residents are hoping to cash in.
Why it matters: City leaders are urging people to ditch driving and opt for public transit to avoid headaches, but plenty of fans are reserving parking in advance.
- Limited space and higher prices are driving up competition and creativity.
Case in point: Pittsburgh Public Schools is leasing parking lots at its North Side schools after shifting all students to remote learning during the draft due to road closures and congestion.
- Spots at Pittsburgh Allegheny, King, and Conroy, for example, are $169 per day through the ParkWiz advance booking partner.
- Lease revenue will boost the district's general fund and draw value from parking visitors would likely otherwise use for free, the district said.
- Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is also leasing parking spots for $150 per day at its North Side shelter, just blocks from Acrisure Stadium, to support its nonprofit operations.
- Even residents farther out are joining the frenzy. Troy Hill native Mark Hanley tells Axios he'll be offering his garage for $75 a day to lure last-minute parkers via Facebook. "Why let all the big garage owners make a buck?" he says.
The big picture: Hundreds of parking spots near Acrisure are still available via JustPark, which partnered with ALCO Parking and other providers to bring more spaces online in one place.
- Prices range from $87.25 to $173.50 per day.
- JustPark expects another spike in demand in the coming days as people finalize how they'll get to the draft.
Flashback: Pittsburgh City Council also voted to raise metered parking to $5 an hour in Downtown and the North Side during the draft, with some exceptions. Street parking typically varies from $1.50 to $4 per hour.
Stunning stat: Rivers Casino is selling a four-day NFL draft parking package for $500 plus taxes and fees when booked in advance. Day-of parking will be $250 per day plus taxes and fees.
- Self-parking for other Acrisure Stadium events at the casino is typically $80, per its website.
The bottom line: If you must drive, Visit Pittsburgh recommends parking in more affordable city-owned lots and garages Downtown or in Station Square and taking free light rail or Gateway Clipper rides to draft activities.
- Book ahead when possible using apps like ParkWhiz and track real-time parking availability via the ParkPGH app.