Going to a River Cats game at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento can be a fun experience. However, figuring out parking can cause some confusion, especially for first-time visitors. This comprehensive guide will explain all the parking options near Sutter Health Park and help you determine if you need to pay for parking when attending a River Cats game.
Overview of Parking at Sutter Health Park
There are a few main parking options for River Cats games:
- On-site parking lots – Several parking lots surround Sutter Health Park that are available for game attendees. Most on-site lots require payment.
- Nearby street parking – Free street parking is available on residential streets near the stadium if you arrive early enough.
- Private lots – Some nearby businesses allow parking in their lots for a fee.
- Ride sharing – Services like Uber and Lyft can drop off near the stadium entrance.
The main on-site parking lots that require payment are Lot A, Lot B, and Lot D. Lot C offers free parking and first-come, first-served tailgating. There is also free motorcycle and bike parking available.
On-Site Parking at Sutter Health Park
Here are more details on the on-site parking lots at Sutter Health Park:
Lot A
– Located off of Ballpark Drive, near the main stadium entrance
– Cost is $10 per vehicle
– Open 2 hours before first pitch
– Credit cards accepted
Lot B
– Located off 7th Street, near the LF entrance
– Cost is $10 per vehicle
– Open 2 hours before first pitch
– Credit cards accepted
Lot C
– Located off 5th Street
– Free parking on first-come, first-served basis
– Open 2 hours before first pitch
– Tailgating allowed
Lot D
– Located off 5th Street, near the RF entrance
– Cost is $20 per vehicle
– Open 2 hours before first pitch
– Credit cards accepted
So in summary, Lots A, B, and D require payment for parking at rates ranging from $10-20 per vehicle. Lot C is the only on-site lot that offers free parking.
Nearby Street Parking
In addition to the on-site lots, free street parking is available on residential streets surrounding Sutter Health Park. Here are some tips for getting a free street spot:
- Arrive early – At least 1 hour before game time.
- Park a 10-15 minute walk away – The closer to the stadium, the quicker spots fill.
- Watch for residential permit zones – Areas marked for permit holders only.
- Check signs carefully – Some spots have time limits or other restrictions.
Some recommended streets for free parking include:
- Park Blvd
- Poplar Ave
- Elm St
- Linden St
- Chestnut St
If you arrive early enough, parking on these streets can save you the $10-20 parking fee in the on-site lots. However, availability is not guaranteed.
Private Parking Lots
In addition to on-site parking and street parking, there are some privately owned lots near Sutter Health Park that allow event parking for a fee. Rates can vary, but these lots are another option in a pinch. Some lots to look out for include:
- Discount Market lot – $10 fee
- West Sac Brewing lot – $10 fee
- 98 Rock lot – $20 fee
Rates at private lots may fluctuate, so be sure to check signs or ask attendants about current fees when you arrive.
Ride Sharing Services
Another way to avoid paying for parking is using a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft. These services can drop you off and pick you up right at the main stadium entrance without having to park. Benefits include:
- No parking fees
- Door-to-door service
- Avoid traffic jams in parking lots
Downsides include paying rideshare fees and surge pricing at peak times. Still, if traveling with others, ride sharing can be cheaper than paying for parking for multiple people.
Recommendations for River Cats Parking
Based on the parking options and costs, here are my recommendations:
Arrive Early for Street Parking
If possible, arrive 60-90 minutes early and look for free street parking within a 10-15 minute walk of Sutter Health Park. This will save you $10-20 over parking in the on-site lots. Popular streets include Park, Poplar, Elm, Linden, and Chestnut. Just beware of permit zones.
Use Lot C for Tailgating
If you want to tailgate before the game, Lot C is your best bet since it’s free and tailgating is allowed. Other lots require payment and don’t allow pre-game festivities. The tradeoff is Lot C fills quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pre-purchase Parking Passes
If you need guaranteed close parking, consider pre-purchasing parking passes online for Lots A or B. This guarantees you a spot and offers discounted rates. Pre-paid parking passes range from $8-15, compared to $10-20 paying at the lot.
Use Ride Sharing for No Parking Fees
Ride sharing services like Uber and Lyft allow drop-offs right at stadium entrances without any parking fees. This is a good option if traveling solo or with 1-2 others when rideshare fees may be cheaper than multiple parking passes.
Arrive Early No Matter What
No matter which parking option you choose, be sure to arrive early. Street parking goes quickly, Lot C fills up fast, and Lines get long to enter stadium lots close to game time. Leaving extra time means less stress finding parking.
Conclusion
Attending a River Cats game can be a super fun experience. While on-site lots require paid parking, there are ways to avoid fees through street parking, Lot C, or ride sharing services. The key is arriving early no matter what parking option you choose – this guarantees availability and less headaches. With the right approach, you can find affordable or free parking for River Cats games at Sutter Health Park.
Now that you know the parking situation, get out and enjoy America’s pastime with the Sacramento River Cats! With a beautiful ballpark and exciting atmosphere, a River Cats game is perfect for fans of all ages. Grab your snacks and baseball gear, then use this guide to find cost-friendly parking near the action. Let’s play ball!