Night game creates parking woes

Stadium parkers forced to commuter lot; Churches provide space

Commuters can park at one of four churches on Thursday and Friday: First Presbyterian Church at 1400 W. Riverside, St. Francis of Assisi at 1200 W. Riverside, Westminister Presbyterian at 2801 W. Riverside and Hazelwood Christian Church at 1400 W. University.

In the shadows of the first night game rests the issue of where stadium and commuter parkers must move their vehicles to make room for those attending.

All stadium users must move their cars by 9 p.m. or risk having their vehicle towed, said Gene Burton, director of public safety.

"We would much rather have people move them than tow them," Burton said.

Burton said the university wants the cars to be moved back to the stadium after the game by 7 a.m. on Friday.

The game is scheduled to begin 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Burton did not comment if tickets would be issued to those still in the commuter lots after 7 a.m. on Friday.

Occupants of the 1,031 stadium spots can park in any of the green commuter parking lots, which Burton said totals approximately 1,653 parking spots.

Since cars should be in the commuter lots Wednesday night and Thursday, commuters are advised to use local church parking lots on Thursday and Friday.

Burton said the churches were not charging the university to use their facilities.

"They are such wonderful neighbors," Burton said. "(Their generosity) is so greatly appreciated by the university."

Brian Kinny, associate pastor of Westminister Presbyterian, said the university contacted him a month or so ago about the need for parking for the game. He said he was happy to help out the neighboring institution.

"We understand they had a parking crunch," Kinny said. "If they wanted to use it on Sunday morning, then we might have had a problem."

Besides the church lots, commuters might be able to park behind the Student Center.

"We anticipate we'll have to open the top floor of the Student Center," Burton said.

Some students were unaware of the situation and confused about the university's plan to move commuters into the church lots.

"I think they could do a better job of letting us know," senior commuter Leslie Garringer said.

For students who may not have a way to get to or from the stadium, Burton said the shuttle bus will run until 11 p.m. and the escort service will run until 1 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Students can contact the escort service by dialing 760-RIDE.

Although some might find it an inconvenience to move their vehicles, some let their school spirit ride over any parking frustrations.

"I'd be willing to move my car for any night game," freshmen stadium parker Matt Heid said. "I don't think it's going to make that big of an inconvenience unless there's no room in the green lots."

This is the only night game scheduled for this year.

"When we come back (after the holiday weekend), parking will be back to normal," Burton said.


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