Parking for University of Louisville football games can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the area around Cardinal Stadium. With a little planning and knowledge of the parking options, you can find a good spot to leave your car before kickoff. Here are some tips on where to park for Louisville football games, whether you have a parking pass, need handicap parking, or plan to use rideshares or public transportation.
If You Have a Parking Pass
The best parking spots are reserved for those with parking passes. There are several lots right by the stadium that are for permit holders only. Passes are available through the University of Louisville Athletic Association. Options include:
- Red and Black Lots – Located right by the stadium, these are the prime parking spots.
- Green Lot – Also close to the stadium, the Green Lot is another permit lot.
- Blue Lot – A bit farther from the stadium but still a permit lot.
If you have one of these parking passes, aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to get into your designated lot and find a space. Make sure your parking pass is clearly visible in your vehicle. Follow signs and attendants directing you to the appropriate permit lot. Once parked, you’ll have just a short walk to Cardinal Stadium.
General Public Parking
For those without a special permit, there are still parking options near the stadium. These are mostly large paved lots that can accommodate many vehicles. Availability is first come, first served. Some options include:
- Yellow Lot – This is the main public parking area, located just northwest of the stadium.
- Cardinal Stadium Garage – This large parking garage is adjacent to the Yellow Lot.
- Cardinal Stadium Overflow Lots – If the main lots fill up, overflow parking is available farther from the stadium.
Aim to arrive at least 2 hours before kickoff if you plan to use these public lots. Spaces fill up fast, so come early to secure your spot. Parking attendants will direct you to open areas. Public parking costs $10-20 per vehicle. Have cash ready as you enter the lot.
Handicap Parking
Accessible parking is available with a valid handicap placard or plates. Handicap parking areas are marked in each of the lots. Arrive early, as these spaces are limited. Parking is free for handicap permit holders. Attendants can direct you to open handicap spaces when you arrive.
Additional handicap parking is available in the Yellow Lot near the Tunnel entrance of the stadium. This provides the most direct access to the stadium for fans needing wheelchair/ADA accessibility.
Offsite Parking Options
If the campus lots are full, there are garages and lots within walking distance of Cardinal Stadium to consider:
- Kentucky Fair and Expo Center – Large lot about 1 mile from stadium
- Cardinal Stadium Road Parking – Privately managed lots on streets near stadium
- Puritan Flats Apartments – Parking garage less than half a mile away
Rates vary at these offsite lots. Factor in extra time to walk or take a shuttle from these alternate parking areas.
Getting to the Stadium Without Driving
If you don’t want to deal with stadium parking, there are other ways to get to Louisville football games:
Rideshares
Uber, Lyft, taxis and other rideshares are popular options. There are designated rideshare drop-off and pickup spots near the stadium entrances. This allows you to be dropped off right by the gates without needing to park.
Rideshare traffic gets heavy close to kickoff and right after games end. To save time, get dropped off a few blocks away and enjoy a quick walk to the action. After the game, walking a little way from the stadium can make pickups faster.
Public Transportation
The Stadium Shuttle is a free bus service providing transportation from downtown hotels to Cardinal Stadium on game days. Buses start running early morning and continue for an hour after games end. The shuttle picks up at several major hotels and drops off right by stadium gates.
TARC buses also serve the university campus and nearby neighborhoods. Several routes stop within reasonable walking distance of the stadium. Check routes and schedules ahead of time at www.ridetarc.org.
Other Options
If you live close enough, walking or bicycling to the games is another possibility. There are pedestrian routes and bike lanes providing stadium access. This eliminates parking hassles.
Louisville also has the LouVelo bike sharing system. You can pick up a bike at one of the downtown stations and pedal to Cardinal Stadium. Lock up the bike at designated racks near the stadium entrance when you arrive.
Key Tips for Parking at Louisville Football Games
To make your stadium parking experience smooth, keep these key tips in mind:
- Arrive early – At least 2 hours before kickoff if parking onsite
- Consider offsite parking – If onsite lots fill up, park farther away and walk or take a shuttle
- Watch for lot attendants – They can direct you to open spaces
- Bring cash – For pay public lots, have $10-20 ready
- Display parking passes – Make sure your permit is visible if parking in a reserved lot
- Consider rideshares – Use designated dropoff/pickup zones if taking Uber, Lyft, etc.
- Check public transit routes – Stadium Shuttle and TARC bus options
- Travel light – Avoid taking extra bags and gear to make walks to stadium easier
With the right parking plan, you can enjoy a smooth arrival at Cardinal Stadium. Cheer on the Louisville Cardinals without stadium parking headaches!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the closest parking to Cardinal Stadium?
The closest parking is in the permit lots right by the stadium, including the Red, Black, Green, and Blue Lots. Those with parking passes can park in these prime spots. Without a pass, the general admission Yellow Lot and adjacent Cardinal Stadium Garage are the closest public parking areas.
How early should you arrive for University of Louisville football games?
To get a good parking spot and avoid traffic delays, plan to arrive 1-2 hours early, especially for big game days. Those with parking passes should come 90 minutes before kickoff. For public parking, aim for at least 2 hours pre-game to find a spot.
Can you park for free at Louisville football games?
Parking is free for permit holders and those with handicap placards/plates. General public parking costs $10-20 per vehicle in the main lots. Some private lots farther from campus may offer free parking if you’re willing to walk farther.
Are there parking options for RVs or buses near the stadium?
Yes, there are designated lots for large vehicles. Permitted RV parking is available in the Green Lot. Buses can park in the Purple Lot with the proper permit. Disabled buses have spots reserved in the Yellow Lot.
Where should rideshares drop off near Cardinal Stadium?
Designated rideshare drop-off and pickup zones are located off of Central Avenue near Gates 2 and 4. This allows easy Uber/Lyft access without stadium parking.
Conclusion
Navigating parking for University of Louisville football games can seem daunting. However, arriving early, knowing your parking options, and considering alternative transportation can take away the stress. Those with parking passes can park closest in the reserved lots. Public parking is available at the Yellow Lot and Cardinal Stadium Garage. Handicap parking, shuttles, rideshares, and other options exist so all fans can access Cardinal Stadium with ease. With a parking game plan, you can focus on cheering the Cardinals on to victory!