Why Buy Parking Passes Along with Your Tickets?

When you go to buy game tickets this season, you may notice listings for parking too. Why buy parking passes along with your tickets? It is about convenience, speed and planning ahead.

Most professional stadiums and ballparks charge parking fees on gamedays. Some colleges do too, depending on where you park in relation to the stadium. Often, guests are encouraged to pre-pay for parking to help speed up the process when they get to the lot.

Pre-paid parking means shorter lines at the lot and a smoother arrival. You can get to your seats or your tailgate setup earlier and reduce the chance of missing pregame moments. Buying ahead also helps you avoid sold-out lots and surprise fees.

How do I buy pre-paid parking?

If you buy tickets directly from a team site, then parking is usually offered as an add-on before checkout much like upgraded experiences at concerts and festivals. When you buy resale, parking may be listed separately but works the same way. Both the ticket and parking pass will be transferred to you for use upon arrival.

Tip: Many venues guarantee a space for prepaid pass holders in specific lots, and some do not sell parking at the gate. Buying your parking when you buy tickets saves time and reduces stress.

For stadium-specific tips, browse stadium guides like this Allegiant Stadium guide for parking zones, shuttles and arrival tips.

Why pre-paid parking reduces gameday stress

• Faster entry. Prepayment eliminates on-site payment stops and often unlocks express lanes.
• Smoother exit. Reserved or fast-exit lots near highway access speed your trip home.
• Clear directions. Your pass usually lists the exact lot and gate, which cuts down on last-minute lane changes.
• Better tailgating. Preferred and premium zones are closer to entrances and common tailgate areas, so you can set up earlier.
• Accessibility. Buying ahead lets you choose accessible options with better wayfinding.

Many venues use technology like license plate recognition and mobile passes to scan you in without stopping. Parking apps and mobile confirmations make transfers and entry straightforward.

How much is NFL parking?

Depending on the size of your car and proximity to the stadium, NFL parking passes can range from $18 to $50 for standard games. The price will also depend on which market you live in with Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, AT&T Stadium in Arlington and GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City ranking among the most expensive. Prices tend to increase in the postseason too leading up to the Super Bowl. For current availability, compare listings on venue pages like Allegiant Stadium or GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. If you are planning a February trip, check Super Bowl LIX tickets early, because premium parking options can sell out first. Major events like the Super Bowl have repeatedly produced extreme parking price spikes and reseller markups in nearby lots, illustrating the risk of last‑minute parking purchases and why fans often benefit from buying official prepaid passes in advance (Los Angeles Times, Feb 2022). For broader data on how event demand affects parking and transportation pricing, city transportation analyses show spikes in local parking demand and fares around major sporting events, which can drive higher short-term rates and limited availability for on-site lots (U.S. DOT report on special event transportation impacts).

How much is MLB parking?

MLB parking follows a similar model with regular-season passes averaging around $30. In the postseason, prices increase and peak with World Series parking. It is common at some ballparks like American Family Field in Milwaukee or Fenway Park in Boston to only purchase parking lot passes and prioritize tailgating over attending the game. This can lead to oversold lots and more stress for fans on gameday. Avoid that risk by making a plan and buying your passes in advance. You can also review venue pages for local options at American Family Field or Fenway Park.

What drives price spikes for NFL parking and MLB parking

• Dynamic pricing. High-demand games, rivalry dates and playoffs trigger surge pricing that can change quickly.
• Proximity tiers. General, Preferred and VIP or Club zones are priced by walking distance and exit speed.
• Limited inventory. On-site lots can be reassigned during postseason, making early purchase important.
• Arrival incentives. Some venues discount early arrival windows to spread traffic and keep queues shorter.

The best parking options for quick entry and fast exits

• Preferred or premium zones. Shorter walks and better exit routes.
• Fast-exit lots. Look for direct highway access if you want the quickest getaway.
• Prepaid and reserved permits. Many venues hold inventory for prepaid pass holders and add express lanes.
• Off-site shuttle lots. If on-site is sold out, shuttle programs move fans efficiently and can be budget friendly.

How to add a parking pass during checkout on resale

• Look for a parking add-on. Some listings include parking as an selectable option during checkout.
• Check the listing notes. Parking may be listed as a separate item in the same section.
• Confirm transfer details. Ensure the pass type, lot name and transfer method match your tickets.
• Keep everything in one wallet. Use mobile pass delivery so both your tickets and parking are ready on your phone.

If you are new to secondary market purchases, this overview on reasons to buy resale explains how transfers and mobile delivery work together with parking passes.

Practical planning tips

• Double-check whether parking is included with your ticket. Some events bundle it, many do not.
• Buy parking when you buy tickets. Conversion is higher and arrival is easier when it is one transaction.
• Price-shop early. Compare lots and arrival windows to find the best walk time and fee.
• Bring a credit card. Some lots are cashless.
• Note your lot name. Snap a photo of your lot sign and landmarks for a quick return postgame.

Helpful stadium resources

• Plan your Las Vegas trip with the Allegiant Stadium guide for parking, transit and entry tips.
• Check event listings and parking availability on venue pages like Allegiant Stadium, GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, American Family Field and Fenway Park.
• For February’s championship, track Super Bowl LIX tickets early to secure premium parking.

FAQs: Pre-paid stadium parking and resale passes

Why should I purchase pre-paid parking passes when buying event tickets online?

Buying parking along with your tickets on TicketSmarter locks in a space, shortens your arrival time and often gives you access to express entry lanes. Many venues do not sell passes at the gate and reserve inventory for prepaid buyers, so purchasing in advance protects your plan.

How does buying a parking pass with my game tickets reduce gameday arrival stress?

Prepayment removes the stop to pay, routes you directly to the right lot and often uses license plate or mobile scanning for quick entry. With TicketSmarter, your mobile parking pass sits next to your tickets so you can scan in and head straight to your gate or tailgate spot.

What are the benefits of prepaid stadium parking for tailgating and entry speed?

Preferred and premium zones place you closer to gates and common tailgate areas. When you buy through TicketSmarter, you can choose lots by proximity and exit speed, which helps you set up earlier and get inside quickly if you are heading straight to your seats.

How do I add a parking pass during checkout when purchasing resale event tickets?

On TicketSmarter, look for parking as an add-on or as its own listing that pairs with your tickets. Review the lot name, transfer method and any shuttle details before purchase. Your mobile pass will be delivered and viewable alongside your tickets.

Why do NFL and MLB parking prices spike during postseason and championship events?

Venues use dynamic pricing that responds to high demand during playoffs and championships. Inventory is tighter, and premium zones near gates carry higher prices. Shop and buy earlier on TicketSmarter to secure the lot you want before prices move.

Which parking options minimize time spent in lines and improve stadium entry experience?

Prepaid Preferred or VIP lots, fast-exit zones with direct highway access and lots that support license plate scanning or mobile-only entry. TicketSmarter listings often note proximity, exit routes and entry instructions so you can pick the fastest option.

How can I plan ahead for limited on-site parking at popular stadiums and venues?

Check venue pages and guides early, compare on-site and shuttle options and purchase your pass with your TicketSmarter tickets. For busy venues like Allegiant Stadium or Fenway Park, on-site lots sell out fast, so early purchase is the safest strategy.

Updated date: December 12, 2025

TicketSmarter helps fans plan smarter trips to games and concerts with clear listings for tickets and parking. Buying your parking pass at the same time you secure tickets can simplify your arrival and make gameday more enjoyable.