Having convenient and guaranteed parking is an important consideration for many concertgoers when purchasing tickets for shows at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The premier parking option promises prime spaces close to the venue entrance, but comes at a premium price. So is premier parking really worth the extra cost or should you take your chances with general parking?
What is premier parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre?
Shoreline Amphitheatre offers premier parking as an add-on option when purchasing tickets for most shows. This gets you a guaranteed parking spot in the lots closest to the main entrance and box office. The premier parking pass allows entry into the venue parking lots before general parking opens. This gives premier parking customers first dibs on the spots right next to the amphitheatre for easier access.
Premier parking is located in the North and South Main lots at Shoreline. These spots are prized because their proximity to the entrances and exits significantly reduces walking distance and time to get in and out of the venue. It also provides convenient access to amenities like restrooms and concessions.
How much does premier parking cost at Shoreline?
The price of premier parking varies by show at Shoreline Amphitheatre. In general, expect to pay $30-60 per pass for premier parking.
Here are some examples of recent premier parking rates for shows at Shoreline:
Show | Premier Parking Price |
---|---|
Dave Matthews Band | $60 |
Santana | $30 |
Maroon 5 | $50 |
Chris Stapleton | $60 |
5 Seconds of Summer | $30 |
Premier parking prices fluctuate based on the expected demand for certain shows. More popular headliners like Dave Matthews Band command premium premier parking rates.
What are the benefits of premier parking?
Here are some of the main benefits and perks of paying for premier parking at Shoreline:
Close proximity to venue entrance
The biggest perk is the convenience of parking super close to the main entrances. Premier parking spots are just a short walk from the gates, which is perfect if you have mobility issues, are accompanying elderly guests, or are simply looking to save steps.
Earlier venue access
Premier parking allows access to the venue parking lots before general parking opens. This gives you first pick of the prime spaces and less traffic to compete with. If you want to tailgate or simply get situated early, premier parking has you covered.
Quicker exit after the show
Premier parking means saving time exiting the venue at the end of the night. While general parking attendees wait in long lines to exit, you can quickly walk back to your premier spot and get on the road faster.
Less stressful parking experience
Finding a decent parking spot amidst tens of thousands of cars in massive lots can be daunting. Premier parking guarantees you a spot off the bat, creating a smooth, convenient parking experience.
VIP perks
Some shows include extra VIP amenities with premier parking, like private lounges, express venue entry, commemorative laminates, and more.
What are the downsides of premier parking?
Despite the perks, premier parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre has some drawbacks to consider:
Added cost
The major downside is the extra expense of premier parking on top of an already pricey concert ticket. For big shows, you could end up paying over $100 per pass.
Potential walk from premier lot
While premier parking gets you close, it doesn’t guarantee a spot right next to the entrance at large venues. You may still have a bit of a walk from the premier lot, depending on your spot.
Large crowds
Even with early access, premier parking lots can fill up and reach capacity. Navigating swarms of excited fans may still be part of the experience.
Questions on value
Some concertgoers feel premier parking is overpriced for what it delivers. The added cost doesn’t always seem justified to everyone.
How does premier parking compare to general parking at Shoreline?
General parking and premier parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre share some similarities but also have distinct differences:
General Parking | Premier Parking | |
---|---|---|
Cost | $30-50 per car | $30-60 per pass |
Location | All main lots | North and South Main lots only |
Entry access | Opens later | Early entry |
Perks | None | Proximity, quicker entry/exit |
Guaranteed spot? | No | Yes |
The main differences come down to guaranteed prime locations, earlier entry, faster exit, and a more streamlined parking experience with premier. But general parking can still work well too.
Where is general parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre?
General parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre is distributed among all the main lots surrounding the venue. The major parking areas include:
- North Lot – Large lot north of the amphitheatre
- South Lot – Spans south of the venue
- East Lot – Located east of Shoreline
- West Lot – Wraps around the venue’s west side
There are also some outlier lots on the outskirts used as overflow parking when necessary. Entrance gates are situated around the perimeter so cars can access the lots to park.
How early should you arrive for general parking?
Arriving early is key to get a decent general parking spot at Shoreline. Gates typically open 2-3 hours before showtime once premier holders have entered.
To maximize your chances for a good spot, plan to arrive:
- 1 hour before gates open if you want to be front of the line
- 30 minutes before gates open to get a good spot
- At least 15 minutes before to avoid being turned away if lots hit capacity
Give yourself extra buffer time for traffic and congestion getting into the lots. Cutoff is typically one hour before showtime when they stop letting cars in.
What’s the best strategy for general parking at Shoreline?
These tips can help maximize your general parking experience at Shoreline:
- Arrive early – This gives you the best spot selection before fills up
- Avoid backups – Entering from lesser-used lots can prevent sitting in long entrance lines
- Pack light – Carry only essentials from the lot to reduce walking burden
- Note your lot & location – Helps find your car later among the sea of vehicles
- Follow staff directions – Helps traffic flow smoothly in and out
- Have patience – Getting in & out takes time with so many cars
While not guaranteed, following these tips will give you a good chance at scoring a prime general parking spot.
How much does general parking cost at Shoreline?
Pricing for general parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre typically ranges from $30-50 per car depending on the show. Bigger concerts from top touring artists tend to command higher general parking fees.
Here are some examples of recent general parking rates:
Show | General Parking Price |
---|---|
Zac Brown Band | $30 |
Harry Styles | $50 |
Roger Waters | $40 |
Rage Against the Machine | $50 |
Jack Johnson | $30 |
General parking may be included in certain VIP ticket packages for select shows. Otherwise, all concertgoers must purchase passes to park.
Can you pre-purchase general parking?
No, general parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre cannot be pre-purchased or reserved in advance. All general parking is paid for upon arrival on the day of the show on a first come, first served basis.
The only way to guarantee your parking ahead of time is to purchase premier parking as an add-on when getting your event tickets.
Where is handicap parking located at Shoreline?
Shoreline Amphitheatre has designated handicap parking areas situated closest to the venue gates. There are two main handicap lots:
- North Main Handicap Lot – Near Gate A entrance
- South Main Handicap Lot – Near Gate B entrance
Disabled parking drop-off areas are also available near Gates A and B. Valid handicap placards or plates are required to park in these designated spaces.
Is Shoreline Amphitheatre parking first come, first served?
Yes, all general parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre is first come, first served. Premier parking pass holders get early entrance, but all other concertgoers must line up in their vehicles outside the gates prior to the scheduled opening time. Spots are available on a first come, first served basis as cars drive in.
This means the earlier you arrive, the better chance you have at getting a spot close to the amphitheatre entrances before they fill up. Premier parking is the only way to truly guarantee your spot ahead of time.
Does Shoreline have rideshare/drop-off areas?
Yes, Shoreline Amphitheatre has designated rideshare and drop-off zones to accommodate concertgoers not parking onsite. These are located near Gates A and B for passenger pickup and dropoff access.
Rideshare vehicles can briefly stop for drop-off but they cannot park in the rideshare area – drivers must proceed once passengers unload. Private vehicles can also utilize the drop-off zones but cannot idle there either.
Can you park overnight at Shoreline Amphitheatre?
No, overnight parking is prohibited at Shoreline Amphitheatre. All parking lots are cleared out and locked down after the completion of each show. There are no accommodations for RVs, campers or overnight stays on premises.
Concertgoers must vacate the parking areas by the designated time, typically within 60-90 minutes after the show finishes. If necessary, offsite overnight parking arrangements must be made at nearby establishments.
Does Shoreline Amphitheatre offer motorcycle parking?
Yes, designated motorcycle parking is available at Shoreline Amphitheatre. Concertgoers on motorcycles pay a discounted parking rate compared to standard vehicles.
The motorcycle parking area is located near Gate B in the South Main lot. Valid motorcycle license plates are required. Space is first come, first served as bikes enter the designated area.
Can you leave and re-enter Shoreline Amphitheatre?
Re-entry is allowed at Shoreline Amphitheatre at the discretion of show management. In general, attendees are able to briefly leave the venue and return if they obtain a re-entry wristband or pass.
This allows access in and out of the parking lots for retrieving items from your vehicle, for example. To re-enter the concert grounds, you will need to go through security screening again upon return.
How does Uber/Lyft work at Shoreline Amphitheatre?
Rideshares are a popular option for getting to and from Shoreline shows. Here are some logistics on using Uber/Lyft at Shoreline:
- Designated dropoff/pickup zones are located near Gates A & B
- Drivers cannot park – they must depart rideshare area after dropping off
- Order your return ride early to avoid surge pricing after show ends
- Be prepared for potential traffic delays leaving the area
- Embarcadero Road is the designated staging area for rides to meet you post-show
Coordinating the exact pickup location with your driver ahead of time helps streamline the process.
How does traffic leaving Shoreline Amphitheatre work?
Heavy congestion leaving Shoreline is common after major concerts as tens of thousands of attendees funnel out of the lots simultaneously.
To manage traffic flow, venue staff direct vehicles out through designated exit routes:
- North lots exit onto Shoreline Blvd towards Highway 101
- South lots exit onto N. Shoreline Blvd towards Highway 237
- Staff work to keep traffic controlled and minimize backups
Exiting can take 30+ minutes even for premier parkers. Patience and care is key – don’t rush to try and beat the crowds.
Is premier parking at Shoreline Amphitheatre worth it?
Overall, premier parking is recommended for Shoreline Amphitheatre if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- You want to save time and hassle finding parking
- You have mobility issues or are attending with elderly/disabled guests
- You dislike large crowds and lines
- You tailgate or like to enter the venue early
- You value a faster, traffic-free exit after the show
While expensive, premier parking delivers significant convenience benefits that can be worth the premium price. But general parking can also work perfectly fine for many concertgoers at a lower cost.
Evaluate your specific parking needs and preferences to decide if upgraded premier access provides enough perceived value to justify the spend.
The bottom line
Premier parking simplifies the Shoreline experience with guaranteed prime spots, exclusive early venue access, and expedited exiting. For those who can afford the premium price, premier parking can be a lifesaver for navigating massive events. Others may be just as happy saving money on general parking by arriving early enough to snag a decent spot.