Finding parking for events at Enmarket Arena in Savannah, Georgia can be a challenge, especially for popular concerts and sports games. Enmarket Arena only has a limited number of parking spaces available in their lots. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you have guaranteed parking ahead of time by reserving a space in advance.
Check if Enmarket Arena Offers Prepaid Parking
The easiest way to guarantee a parking spot is if Enmarket Arena offers prepaid parking reservations for the event you’re attending. Many major arenas allow you to purchase parking passes along with your tickets. Here’s how it works:
- When buying tickets on Enmarket Arena’s website, look for an option to add parking. There may be a box to check to include parking in your order.
- Select the number of parking passes you need. Parking spaces are not assigned, it just reserves you a spot in the lot.
- The parking pass will be included in your ticket order confirmation, either as a separate item you print out or as part of your digital tickets.
- On the day of the event, arrive early and park in the designated prepaid parking area. Have your parking pass ready to display.
Prepaid parking through the venue is the easiest way to guarantee you’ll have a space on site. The number of prepaid spots may be limited, so purchase early before they sell out.
Use Third-Party Parking Sites
If prepaid parking is not available through Enmarket Arena, the next best option is to use a third-party parking service. Companies like ParkWhiz allow you to reserve guaranteed parking spaces in various lots and garages near the venue.
Here are some tips for using third-party parking sites:
- Search the site for Enmarket Arena and your event date. Browse the available parking options.
- Compare locations, cost, ratings, and amenities. Select your preferred lot.
- Reserve your space. Provide your contact and payment information.
- Print or download your parking voucher to present when you arrive at the lot.
- Be sure to note the lot hours, entry/exit procedures, and cancellation policy.
Third-party parking services provide easy online reservations. Spots near Enmarket Arena fill up fast, so book well in advance of the event date.
Know the Best Parking Lots Near Enmarket Arena
If you opt to find parking near Enmarket Arena on your own, it helps to know where the top lots and garages are located. Here are some of the best parking options within walking distance of Enmarket Arena:
- Enmarket Arena Lots – Enmarket Arena has two main parking lots available on a first-come basis for $10-25 per car. Lot A is adjacent to the arena off Oglethorpe Ave. Lot B is a few blocks away off Stiles Ave.
- Savannah Civic Center Parking Garage – Large covered parking garage attached to the Enmarket Arena, within a block. Rates vary based on events.
- Ellis Square Parking Garage – City-owned garage three blocks north of the arena. Rates $2 per hour, $8 daily max.
- Whitaker Street Parking Garage – City parking garage four blocks south of Enmarket Arena. Same rates as Ellis Square.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Arena Garage – Large parking deck five blocks west of Enmarket Arena. Event rates apply.
Arriving early is key if parking on your own without a guaranteed spot. Be prepared for traffic congestion near the arena before popular events.
Find Street Parking Nearby
If you don’t mind walking a bit farther, consider street parking in the downtown areas around Enmarket Arena. Here are some tips for finding street parking:
- Target streets at least 4-6 blocks out from the arena to increase your chances.
- Check meter rates and time limits. Have enough change ready for meters.
- Parking apps like ParkMobile can help you pay meters from your phone.
- Observe signage carefully to avoid restricted or residential only parking zones.
- Arrive very early, as street parking fills quickly on event days.
Street parking takes more time to find a good spot, but can save money compared to garage and lot parking. Just be sure to note time limits and allow enough time to walk to the arena.
Use Rideshare Services or Public Transportation
To avoid parking altogether, consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get dropped off and picked up at Enmarket Arena. Here are some benefits of ridesharing:
- No need to find or pay for parking near the venue
- Get dropped off right at arena entrances
- Avoid traffic jams before and after the event
- Split costs when sharing rides with friends
Just be sure to note the rideshare pickup and drop-off zones at Enmarket Arena to meet your driver easily. Ridesurge pricing may apply after major events, so factor that into your budget.
Savannah’s public bus system, Chatham Area Transit, also serves Enmarket Arena directly. Buses drop off right in front of the main arena entrance. Fares are just $1.50 per ride.
Book Room Packages with Parking Included
Some hotels in the downtown Savannah area offer event parking packages that bundle a room reservation with guaranteed parking spaces. Here are some tips on booking room packages with parking:
- Search for hotels close to Enmarket Arena that advertise event parking.
- Ask when booking if they offer discounted packages with parking included.
- Inquire about the number of spaces available and if they sell out.
- Compare overall costs to other parking options.
- Ask about cancellations policies in case plans change.
Booking a room package is often the simplest way to secure parking, but make sure to factor the room cost into the total parking expense.
Arrive Early to Get the Best Spot
No matter which parking option you choose, it is essential to arrive early to increase your chances of getting a good spot. Enmarket Arena’s parking areas open 2-3 hours prior to most event start times. General tips for early arrival include:
- Check arena website for exact parking opening times
- Add buffer time for traffic, parking lot congestion
- Bring entertainment – phones, music, books – to enjoy while waiting
- Eat beforehand or bring snacks to avoid overpaying at concession stands
- Pass time exploring downtown Savannah near the arena if very early
Leave extra time for larger concerts, games, and graduations at Enmarket Arena since parking demand will be highest. Arriving early removes the stress of trying to park at the last minute near showtime.
Have Back-up Parking Plans Ready
Despite your best preparations, parking might fill up at Enmarket Arena and nearby garages on extremely busy event days. It helps to have back-up parking options in mind within a 15-20 minute walk of the arena, such as:
- Savannah Visitor Center Parking Garage – 101 E Broad St
- Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa – 1 Resort Dr
- Marriott Savannah Riverfront – 100 General McIntosh Blvd
- Bay Street Garage – 104 W Bay St
Research alternative garages and rates ahead of time. Be ready to divert to your back-up parking if needed. Arriving 2 hours before event start will give you enough time to find alternate parking within walking distance.
Reserve Early for Popular Events
High demand events like sold out concerts and championship sporting events require the earliest parking reservations. Here are some tips for reserving parking early:
- Check event listing online as soon as available to estimate attendance.
- Buy prepaid parking or reserve third-party spaces 1-2 months in advance if expecting a big crowd.
- Book room packages with parking 3-6 months ahead for extremely popular events.
- Sign up for presale tickets and parking packages if offered.
Giving yourself plenty of lead time ensures you’ll lock in parking before spaces sell out. Don’t wait if you know demand will be high based on the event performers, teams, or history.
Have a Parking Plan B on Standby
For premium events where parking reservations are a must, come equipped with a Plan B just in case issues pop up. Your parking contingency plan could include:
- Downloading rideshare apps and inputting payment ahead of time
- Researching taxi or pedicab stand locations near the arena
- Identifying transit routes and schedules to get to the venue
- Packing walking shoes and preparing for up to a 30-minute walk
Having flexible alternatives makes it less stressful to handle problems like parking passes not scanning properly or pre-paid lots filling up fast. With a solid Plan B, you’ll still arrive on time if your original parking plans fall through.
Comparison of Parking Rates Near Enmarket Arena
To summarize the various parking options near Enmarket Arena Savannah, here is a comparison of average rates:
Parking Location | Average Rate |
---|---|
Enmarket Arena Prepaid Parking | $15-25 |
Enmarket Arena Day-of Parking Lot | $10-20 |
Nearby Parking Garages | $10-20 |
Street Parking Meters | $1-3 per hour |
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) | $15-50 each way |
Public Bus Transit | $1.50 per ride |
Parking Packages with Hotel | $30-60 per night |
Garage parking tends to cost slightly more than Enmarket Arena’s lots. Prepaid reservations offer cost certainty and guarantee you a space close to the venue. Rideshares, public transit, and parking packages can provide savings depending on group size.
Tips for Parking on Enmarket Arena Event Days
On top of reservations and planning ahead, keep these general tips in mind for parking on busy event days at Enmarket Arena:
- Allow extra time – Add at least 30 minutes to account for traffic delays in the area.
- Check electronic signs – Digital signs will direct you to open lots and available spaces.
- Follow attendants’ instructions – Parking staff will guide vehicles to open spots efficiently.
- Watch for pedestrians – Use caution and watch crosswalks for event attendees walking to venues.
- Remember your location – Note parking area name, level, row, or other markers to find your car later.
- Leave early if possible – Departing early, before crowds, makes exiting faster and easier.
Careful preparation and awareness of navigating crowded event parking will allow you to park smoothly at Enmarket Arena. Reserve early, arrive early, and follow all posted signage and attendants’ directions.
Conclusion
Finding parking for a major event at Enmarket Arena Savannah does take advance planning and savvy parking techniques. Start by checking for prepaid parking reservations available directly through the arena. If sold out, secure a guaranteed spot using a third-party parking service instead. Arrive very early to claim a space on-site or hunt for garages and street parking within walking distance. Have back-up options and parking contingencies ready for busy event days. Following these tips will ensure you park in time to enjoy the show at Enmarket Arena!