American Airlines Center Parking Tips for the Dallas Mavericks & Stars

As the home of the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars, the American Airlines Center stays busy throughout much of the year. If you have tickets to an upcoming event, use this parking guide to implement a transportation plan. 

This detailed American Airlines Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official American Airlines Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near American Airlines Center you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Dallas
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars events
• Other valuable American Airlines Center parking tips to save time and money

Going to an American Airlines Center event should be a fun and relaxing experience. This parking guide will make sure transportation troubles don’t stand in your way.

Official American Airlines Center Parking Lots

The parking lots associated with American Airlines Center in Dallas can accommodate more than 5,000 vehicles. With so many parking spaces available in the immediate area, it’s usually easy to book a spot in a location that will work nicely for your needs. With that said, booking your parking ahead of time is still a good idea, to make sure you don’t have to scramble at the last minute to find a spot. 

Main Parking Lots 

The main parking lots at American Airlines Center are largely named after various colors, including Orange, Blue, Gold, and Purple. The map below outlines the locations of the assorted lots in the blocks around this venue. 

If you want to purchase parking in advance for any of these lots, you can go through the official American Airlines Center website. The Lexus Garage just north of the arena is one of the best parking values in the area, as it is very close to the gates and yet comes with a relatively modest price point. 

When they are not sold out, the lots and garages managed by American Airlines Center accept credit cards for vehicles arriving without a reservation. We’d still recommend buying your parking in advance, but if you don’t, there is a good chance you’ll find something available that you can pay for on-site. 

Premium Parking Lots

Given its prime location adjacent to the arena, the Gold Garage is a premium parking lot with a high-end price tag. If you want the best possible convenience getting to and from an upcoming event in this venue – and you don’t mind spending well over $100 to park sometimes – the Gold Garage is the way to go. 

EV Parking at American Airlines Center

There are a few ChargePoint Charging Stations located in the area around this venue. Finding and using one of these stations would be pretty simple when there isn’t an event going on. However, the crowds that come along with a big event mean that everything is harder to access, including EV chargers.

We’d strongly recommend that you charge in advance so you can use a regular parking space, and you don’t have to find an available charger as you get ready to head into the arena.

Accessible Parking Spaces

To find ADA parking spaces, look to Lot F and the Lexus Garage. You can pre-purchase your parking for either of these two areas or pay when you arrive (as long as availability remains). Once you have accessed the lot or garage, you can look for any remaining ADA spaces if you have a valid state-issued plate or placard.

Third-Party Parking Options at American Airlines Center

You will find plenty of good third-party parking options within a short walk to American Airlines Center in Dallas. As long as you are willing to walk 10 – 20 minutes to get from your car to the gates, you can find suitable parking facilities with affordable prices.

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One of your best options for low-cost parking is the lot operated at 1333 N. Stemmons Freeway. It’s approximately 15 minutes on foot from here to the arena, and parking prices are sometimes less than $10.

To get slightly closer while paying a bit more, look at Lot 5 at 1919 Woodall Rodgers Freeway. 

Free Parking at American Airlines Center

Finding free parking at American Airlines Center is likely more fantasy than reality. With so many people attending events, and space at a premium, every spot that could be occupied by a vehicle is accounted for in one way or another.

Fortunately, there are many good third-party parking options in the general area, as we outlined above. While these spots aren’t free, they do tend to be rather affordable, so it’s often possible to park for less than $10.

Alternatively, you can use public transportation to get into the area without bringing your vehicle. 

Public Transportation to American Airlines Center

Multiple public transportation options can help you reach the venue with ease.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a commuter rail line connecting the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth. If you’re in the DFW Metroplex and planning to attend an event at the American Airlines Center, this could be a highly convenient option.

Victory Station is the stop you’ll need to use if you’re going to the American Airlines Center. Once you disembark, it’s just a short walk to the venue. However, please note that the TRE does not operate on Sundays, so checking the schedule before planning your journey is essential.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) also provides excellent service to the American Airlines Center. The Orange and Green Lines stop at Victory Station, making this a convenient way to reach the venue.

If you’re not initially on the Green or Orange Lines, you can connect to these lines from the Red or Blue Lines at West End Station. DART’s light rail service operates seven days a week and has extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a reliable and convenient option for getting to and from the American Airlines Center.

Ridesharing to American Airlines Center

Using a rideshare service is another good way to get to and from American Airlines Center. As of today, American Airlines Center in Dallas does not have a designated area for rideshare drop-offs and pick-ups. However, arranging a convenient spot with your driver should be easy enough.

The best plan is typically to meet up or get dropped off at least a couple of blocks away from the venue so you can avoid congestion and temporary road closures. 

American Airlines Center Events

With both a hockey team and a basketball team calling this venue home, there is plenty of action going on throughout the year. Concerts and other events are also held here, so there is a little bit of something for everyone. Use this table to find tickets to the event you’d like to attend.

Bars and Restaurants near American Airlines Center 

Attending an American Airlines Center event is a fun outing, but you can add to the experience by arriving early or staying late and exploring some of the bars and restaurants in this part of Dallas.

Specifically, a few options just south of the arena along Victory Park Lane are convenient and easy to access. 

One of the best spots to visit before a basketball or hockey game is ChopShop Victory Park, a sports bar just across the street from the venue. If you stop here, you are sure to enjoy the company of many other people attending the same event, so it’s a great way to start your evening of fun.

American Airlines Center Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Sometimes, however, traffic and transportation issues get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at American Airlines Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Traffic in the DFW metroplex can be brutal, especially on weekday evenings. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy. 

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible. 

Know What You Can Bring

American Airlines Center has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building, like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car. 

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around American Airlines Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you don’t want to be searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it easily. 

Take Security Measures

You should always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You might want to park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, attending an event at the American Airlines Center in Dallas requires careful planning for parking and transportation. This American Airlines Center parking tips guide provides valuable information on various parking options, including official parking lots associated with the venue.

To ensure a great outing at the American Airlines Center, it’s important to arrive early, familiarize yourself with venue policies, remember where you parked, take security measures, and have a backup parking plan.

By following these tips, you can navigate parking and transportation smoothly, enhancing your overall experience at the American Airlines Center.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at American Airlines Center (FAQs)