Parking availability and cost can be a major factor when deciding whether to attend an event at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, NC. Knowing what parking options are available and if they are free or paid can help you plan your visit accordingly. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the parking situation at Ovens Auditorium to answer the question: is parking free at Ovens Auditorium Charlotte NC?
Overview of Ovens Auditorium
Ovens Auditorium is a major venue located in Charlotte, North Carolina. With a capacity of 2,414 seats, it hosts various concerts, Broadway shows, graduations, and other events throughout the year. The auditorium is managed by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority and is located adjacent to the Charlotte Convention Center in Uptown Charlotte.
Ovens Auditorium was originally constructed in 1955 and was renovated in 1995 and 2015. Due to its prime location in the heart of downtown Charlotte, parking availability can be limited during major events at the auditorium. Understanding the parking options around Ovens Auditorium is key to finding the best parking spot before a show or event.
Parking Options at Ovens Auditorium
There are several parking options available around Ovens Auditorium in Uptown Charlotte. The main parking options include:
Ovens Auditorium Parking Garage
Attached to Ovens Auditorium is a seven-story parking garage that concert and event attendees can utilize. The parking garage has an entrance on MLK Blvd and provides covered parking right next to the auditorium building. Rates at the Ovens Auditorium parking garage are $15 per vehicle.
Charlotte Convention Center Parking Deck
The Charlotte Convention Center parking deck is another covered parking option located directly behind Ovens Auditorium, accessible from Stonewall St. Parking rates are $15 per vehicle for events at Ovens Auditorium. The deck provides easy indoor covered access to the auditorium.
Patriots Plaza Garage
Across Stonewall St from the Charlotte Convention Center parking deck is the Patriots Plaza parking garage. This large City-owned garage provides parking for $10 per vehicle during Ovens Auditorium events. The garage entrance is located on Stonewall St between 3rd and 4th streets.
Romare Bearden Park Garage
On the other side of Ovens Auditorium is the Romare Bearden Park parking garage, accessible from Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. Event parking rates are $15 per vehicle in this garage. It provides quick access to Ovens Auditorium by crossing MLK Blvd.
Street Parking
Limited metered street parking is available on streets like MLK Blvd, Stonewall St, and surrounding blocks near the auditorium. Meters accept quarters and credit cards and have hourly rates from $1.50 to $2 per hour. Street parking tends to fill up quickly for popular Ovens Auditorium events.
Are Any Parking Options Free at Ovens Auditorium?
Unfortunately, there is no free parking available at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte for events. All of the parking garages and street parking spots charge hourly or event rates. The cheapest parking is available at the Patriots Plaza garage across from the Convention Center deck at $10 per vehicle.
Some tips to reduce parking costs include:
- Carpooling to split parking costs if attending with others
- Arriving early to find cheaper street meter parking before events
- Consider using public transit or rideshare services to avoid parking fees
- Asking about validated parking if dining at a nearby restaurant before the event
While there is no free parking, finding the cheapest and most convenient parking spot for Ovens Auditorium events is still possible with some savvy planning. Understanding the layout of the different garages around the auditorium is key. Also allowing enough time to compare parking rates and availability is wise when aiming to minimize parking costs.
Current Parking Rates at Ovens Auditorium Garages
Here is an overview of the current parking rates at the major garages serving Ovens Auditorium as of October 2022:
Garage | Rate |
---|---|
Ovens Auditorium Garage | $15 per vehicle |
Charlotte Convention Center Parking Deck | $15 per vehicle |
Patriots Plaza Garage | $10 per vehicle |
Romare Bearden Park Garage | $15 per vehicle |
Street Parking | $1.50 – $2 per hour |
As the table shows, parking rates range from $10-15 per vehicle across the major garages. Parking in one of these garages guarantees an event parking spot versus street parking which has limited availability. Comparing total parking costs ahead of time at the different garages can potentially save a few dollars.
Tips for Finding the Best Parking at Ovens Auditorium
If aiming to find the most convenient, affordable parking spot for events at Ovens Auditorium, keep these tips in mind:
Arrive Early
Give yourself plenty of time to find parking before events at the auditorium. Arriving early opens up more options for street parking and allows time to compare garage rates and availability. Popular events will fill up parking quickly.
Consider Weeknight vs Weekend Events
Parking may be slightly easier for weeknight events at Ovens Auditorium versus weekend shows which see heavier attendance. If you have flexibility, choose weeknights to improve parking availability.
Check Garage Clearance Heights
If driving a large vehicle like a van or truck, check garage clearance heights ahead of time. The Patriots Plaza garage has lower clearances around 7 feet. The Ovens and Convention Center decks have higher clearances.
Use Public Transit
The LYNX Blue Line light rail stops one block away at the Carson Blvd Station. The Sprinter and CityLynx Gold Line also stop nearby. Using transit can completely avoid parking headaches.
Book Advance Parking
Some popular Broadway shows or concerts may allow booking guaranteed parking spots at nearby decks in advance. Check online ticketing platforms or the auditorium website for advance parking sales.
Future Parking Improvements Planned for Ovens Auditorium
While parking is currently limited and paid around Ovens Auditorium, there are plans to improve parking access and availability in the future. These parking upgrades will make attending events at Ovens Auditorium even more convenient.
Planned parking improvements include:
New 800-Space Parking Deck
In 2024, construction of a new 800-space parking deck is scheduled to begin on the corner of Stonewall St and Caldwell St, one block from Ovens Auditorium. This City-owned garage will provide abundant new parking supply for the auditorium.
Pedestrian Bridge Connection
The new parking deck will be connected to Ovens Auditorium by a pedestrian bridge allowing easy walkability between the two. The bridge will span above Stonewall St improving safety and convenience.
Potential Parking Rate Decreases
With the addition of the 800-space deck, parking rates may decrease due to increased competition between garages. More overall supply could translate to cheaper event parking prices around Ovens.
Dedicated Event Parking Signage
Better wayfinding and signage to the new deck and other garages is planned to guide motorists to designated Ovens Auditorium event parking. This will reduce confusion and congestion before shows.
Overall, parking for Ovens Auditorium attendees should become less of a hassle with 800 new parking spots coming online within the next 2 years. Convenient pedestrian access to the new deck also makes it easier to avoid parking completely by taking the light rail and walking from the station.
Conclusion
In summary, parking at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, NC currently requires paying to park in either the attached garage, nearby decks, or on the street. Rates range from $10-15 per vehicle across these options. No free parking is available as of 2022. However, new parking infrastructure planned for 2024, including a major 800-space parking deck connected by pedestrian bridge, should improve parking availability and potentially lower prices.
When attending events in the meantime, arriving early, comparing garage rates, and considering transit alternatives are the best ways to optimize parking convenience and cost. While not free, affordable and accessible parking at Ovens Auditorium can be found through smart planning. Checking this parking guide and allowing enough lead time before events will result in parking success.