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The Parking Crunch: Game Day
Courtesy, John Romlein II - Columnist
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John Romlein II
Previously, we brought you a look at the overall parking crunch that continues to plague the growing commuter student population – both for General permit holders and for those who choose to bypass the rules and regulations set forth by Parking and Transportation Services. The former usually end up as vultures stalking scarce close-proximity General lots while the latter are subject to fines in the form of parking tickets.
Yet perhaps the largest inconvenience to the widespread parking picture comes when the pigskin hits the blue turf. Not only are several permit parking lots closed off, but new regulations also took effect this academic year – most notably the parking ban along portions of University Drive between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM daily, to discourage overnight parking. The street parking restriction is enforced by the City of Boise.
“Last year, [parking] was fair to everyone,” said Dave Toledo, a Boise State employee and avid football fan who has made tailgating along University Drive a ritual during each home game. “Now, it is just utter chaos all around.”
COURTESY/JOHN ROMLEIN II
The Office of Communications and Marketing issued a press release on August 27 that detailed the new regulations, which included a tailgate ban on the grass strips along Broadway Avenue and University Drive to those who are not members of the Bronco Athletics Association (BAA). During game days, all General and Reserved lots surrounding the stadium are converted to BAA members-only lots, and all cars without BAA permits must relocate by 4:00 PM or face citation and removal.
BAA membership rates for reserved parking priority in select stadium lots range from $925 to $1,600. The Association ceased the distribution of general BAA permits to all membership levels due to the loss of 400 parking spaces caused by the construction of the Norco Building and the resulting shift of football media to the Manitou lot.
Before the regulations took effect, fans were allowed to park their motor home or car along University Drive the Monday prior to game day and use the corresponding grass for tailgating purposes. Not anymore.
According to Toledo, a Boise Police cruiser is assigned to monitor the street during the three-hour parking ban with its overhead lights flashing. The officer then turns the flashers off at 5:00 AM, which signals the go-ahead for fans to park their vehicles. This is when several motor homes and cars rush to gather spots along the street, which incites a dangerous competition between desperate fans. Many end up leaving empty-handed and irritated.
“Go tell BSU to (expletive) off!” fellow tailgater Jeremy Thompson exclaimed when asked for comment.
Others however see the regulations as a welcome sign. “It helps free up parking during the week for students who need to use that parking for school,” said student Michael Wright. “Why should [the fans] be allowed to camp on Wednesday when the game is not until Saturday? Plus it helps the crossing pedestrians and cross traffic as well.”
But Toledo, who is frustrated with the new regulations, has thrown in the towel.
“I don’t get paid enough to afford special parking privileges for game days,” Toledo said. “If you got bucks and the money, you got everything. BSU does not own that street.”
How would you rate parking on game day? Total Voters: 16
Hi totally enjoyed reading the post. Thought i’d send my thanks!