Finding parking for major events like concerts at the Kia Forum can be a challenge. With thousands of people converging on the venue, parking spots fill up quickly and prices often surge. However, with some advance planning and knowledge of the parking options around the Kia Forum, you can find convenient and affordable parking for your concert. In this comprehensive guide, we will go over all your parking choices near the Kia Forum so you can enjoy the show stress-free.
Parking at the Kia Forum
The Kia Forum has on-site parking available in their main parking structure. There are approximately 3,500 parking spaces that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking opens 2 hours before event start time and costs $30-40 per vehicle. The main parking structure entrance is located off Prairie Ave. This is the most convenient parking option as it allows you to park right at the venue, but the spots fill up very quickly for popular shows. If the main lot is full, you may be directed to overflow lots that are farther away.
Pre-paid Parking Passes
You can purchase pre-paid parking passes in advance through the Kia Forum website or Ticketmaster when getting your concert tickets. This guarantees you a spot and bypasses the cash parking lines when you arrive. Pre-paid passes are still subject to availability. Passes are $30-50 per vehicle depending on the event. This is recommended for high-demand shows where on-site parking is likely to sell out quickly.
Off-Site Parking Lots
There are several large parking lots and structures within walking distance of the Kia Forum that offer event parking:
- West Parking Structure – Located on S Prairie Ave, this structure is just south of the Kia Forum. Parking rates are around $20.
- Inglewood City Parking Garage – Located on N La Brea Ave, this garage is about 0.3 miles north of the Kia Forum. Parking rates are $10-20.
- Hollywood Park Casino Lot – Large uncovered lot 0.4 miles north of the Kia Forum off N Century Blvd. Rates $20-40.
- The Forum Shops Parking Garage – Attached to The Forum shops mall southeast of the Kia Forum off S Prairie Ave. Rates $10-20.
Parking in these off-site lots is available on a first-come basis. Prices fluctuate based on demand. Allow extra time to walk from these lots to get to the arena.
Street Parking
There is some metered street parking available on roads adjacent to the Kia Forum, such as Prairie Ave and Manchester Blvd. Spots are limited and hard to find on event days. Meters accept credit cards and quarters and have 2 or 4 hour limits. Prices range from $1-$2 per hour. Read posted signs carefully for parking restrictions. Do not park in residential permit zones.
Rideshare Drop-Off/Pick-Up
Using Uber, Lyft or a taxi is a convenient option to get dropped off and picked up at the Kia Forum without having to park. The designated rideshare drop-off/pick-up zone is located on S Prairie Ave in front of the Kia Forum box office. This keeps you from having to walk far at the end of the night.
Public Transportation
Taking public transit eliminates parking hassles altogether. The Kia Forum is served by Metro buses and the new K Line on Prairie Ave. The nearest Metro rail station is the Crenshaw/LAX Line at Hawthorne/Lennox Station, about 1.5 miles away.
Here are some public transit options to the Kia Forum:
- Metro Bus Line 115 – Runs along Prairie Ave, drops off directly in front of arena
- Metro Bus Line 212 – Drops off on Prairie Ave just south of arena
- Metro K Line – Drops off at The Forum station right in front of arena on Prairie Ave
- Metro Rail Green Line to Crenshaw/LAX Line – Exit at Hawthorne/Lennox Station and transfer to Metro Bus Line 115 northbound
Check the Metro website for schedules and fares. Use the Metro trip planner to map out routes. Allow plenty of extra travel time on concert nights when transit runs more crowded. Purchase TAP cards ahead of time to speed up boarding.
Where to Avoid Parking
With so many people trying to park near the Kia Forum on event days, you may be tempted to look for free street parking in nearby residential areas. However, this is not recommended and can result in having your car towed or ticketed if parking in unauthorized zones. Steer clear of these parking restrictions:
- Residential permit parking zones – Look for posted signs indicating permit zones
- No parking signs – Pay attention to temporary no parking signs put up for events
- Blocking driveways – Don’t park in or block driveways even briefly
- Red curbs – Painted red zones indicate no stopping or parking
- Private lots – Park only in authorized lots to avoid towing
Give yourself enough time to find legal parking rather than attempting risky spots. Being towed or ticketed will result in fees higher than any event parking.
Tips for Parking at the Kia Forum
Follow these tips to make parking smoother on your concert night:
- Arrive early – Extra time means more parking options available
- Consider pre-paid parking – Guarantees a space and quicker entry
- Check parking maps – Study traffic patterns and venue maps before arriving
- Follow parking signs/staff directions – Gets you parked faster
- Bring cash/credit card – For parking fees and garages
- Note your parking spot – Jot it down or take a photo so you can find your car later
- Wear comfortable shoes – For walking from farther lots
Finding parking for big events at the Kia Forum requires planning ahead. Now that you know the ins and outs of parking options around the venue, you can choose the best spots for convenience and affordability. With your parking arranged in advance, you can relax and enjoy the show when attending your next concert at the Kia Forum!
Conclusion
Parking for major concerts and events at the Kia Forum can be competitive and hectic. By understanding your options ahead of time – from on-site parking, to off-site lots, street parking, and public transit – you can choose the best way to arrive for the show with minimal hassle. Secure convenient parking or transit passes early, allow extra time, and follow parking rules to ensure you don’t waste time hunting for spots or risk getting ticketed. With savvy planning using this guide, you’ll be able to simply park and enjoy your concert night at the Kia Forum without parking stress.