Footprint Center Parking Tips in Phoenix

The Footprint Center is the home venue for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Attending a basketball game or other event here can be exciting, but only if you can secure a good parking spot and make it into the arena on time. 

This detailed Footprint Center parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

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

Don’t let parking worries stress you out on game day. Sort out a plan with the help of this guide and start looking forward to a fun outing.

Official Footprint Center Parking Lots

There are two official parking lots to pick from when attending an event at Footprint Center. One of these two garages is attached to the venue, while the other is just a short walk away.

In your search for a good spot to park, starting with these two facilities makes sense, as they are extremely convenient and offer quite a bit of capacity. 

Main Parking Lots 

The two main parking lots associated with the venue are the Footprint Center Garage and the Jefferson Street Garage. The Footprint Center Garage is connected to the arena, so you’ll be inside the venue within moments of parking.

While the Jefferson Street Garage is across 3rd Street, it’s barely farther away and still allows you to get in quickly. 

While the Footprint Center Garage is great for convenience, it is relatively small and fills up quickly. There are only 700 spaces here. For basketball games, many of those spots are spoken for by suite holders and premium-seat owners. Fortunately, the Jefferson Street Garage has more than 1,400 spots, so availability here is more likely. 

Be aware that the prices for official parking will vary significantly based on the event, and the Footprint Center Garage will typically be priced higher than Jefferson Street. 

EV Parking at Footprint Center

You should avoid needing to charge your EV while attending an event at Footprint Center. There are a couple of chargers in the nearby area, but this part of town will be crowded leading up to an event, and you don’t want to work your way through the streets hoping to find an available plug.

Instead, charge up in advance and use any standard parking options. 

Accessible Parking Spaces

There is accessible parking available in both the Footprint Center Garage and the Jefferson Street Garage. With that said, there is high demand for these spaces, so it’s possible that they will fill up before you arrive.

Pre-purchasing parking will reserve a spot in the garages but not an ADA spot. So, the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of getting an accessible spot. Alternatively, you could use the drop off area on 3rd Street just south of Jefferson to get an individual with accessibility needs close to the entrance before you head to your parking spot. 

Third-Party Parking Options at Footprint Center

There are quite a few third-party parking options within walking distance of Footprint Center to consider. You can use the SpotHero widget below to reserve a spot for the date you’ll be attending, and you won’t have to scramble for parking once you get into the area.

One of the best third party parking near the Footprint Center is the 1 West Jackson Street lot. Despite being only a five-minute walk to the gates, this lot comes at a more affordable price than some alternatives. If you would rather be in a garage and don’t mind paying more for your spot, look at the CityScape East Garage at 140 W Jefferson. 

Free Parking at Footprint Center

Finding free parking anywhere within walking distance of Footprint Center will be difficult. While there are a few scattered areas where street parking is not metered, those spots fill up fast – especially when an event occurs.

If you are going to drive to the arena, plan on picking out a garage or lot where you can pay for your spot and save yourself the hassle and frustration of driving around. 

Public Transportation to Footprint Center

Public transportation is often an overlooked and underrated option for sporting events and concerts. Public transportation is typically very affordable, allows you to beat traffic, and can even be an enjoyable experience if you ride with other fans to and from the venue. 

Valley Metro Light Rail

The Valley Metro Light Rail offers one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to reach the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Spanning over 28 miles, the Light Rail links Phoenix to the neighboring communities of Tempe and Mesa, providing frequent service seven days a week.

The best part is that your ticket to any Footprint Center event serves as your fare for the Light Rail, offering a hassle-free and wallet-friendly transit option. However, remember to have your event ticket handy during your ride as proof of your fare.

The Light Rail has two stations that are within walking distance to the Footprint Center. If you are coming from the north or west, you would disembark at the 3rd Street/Washington station. If you are coming from the east or south, the 3rd Street/Jefferson station is the appropriate stop.

Valley Metro Bus

Although it doesn’t offer the ticket-as-fare deal as the Light Rail, the Valley Metro Bus system is another viable option to reach the Footprint Center. The bus system serves Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs with various routes, and it operates an extensive schedule, with some routes providing 24-hour service.

The routes that pass closest to the Footprint Center include the Route 1 (Washington/Jefferson) and Route 3 (Van Buren). Both routes stop within a short walking distance of the arena.

Biking

Phoenix also offers a grid bike share program, which can be a fun and active alternative, especially if you are located nearby. There are numerous bike share stations throughout the city, and you can reserve a bike through the grid bikes mobile app. The Footprint Center has bike racks available for cyclists.

Ridesharing to Footprint Center

While the area has many good parking options, you might decide you don’t want to drive and would rather take a rideshare service to the venue. If you do so, the venue has some specific Lyft drop-off and pick-up options designated for drivers to use.

Rideshare drop-off locations by Footprint Center include:

• 1st Street by Footprint Center Plaza
• South 2nd Street by The Ryan
• South 3rd Street by Phoenix Convention Center
• East Jefferson Street by Hotel Palomar. 

Head to the South 3rd Street location near the Phoenix Convention Center for pickup. 

Footprint Center Events

Whether you are interested in seeing a basketball game, a concert, or another type of event at Footprint Center, it all starts with securing some great seats. Use the table below to look for tickets for an upcoming date.

Bars and Restaurants near Footprint Center

If you are looking for a tasty meal or a cold drink before going into a game at Footprint Center, you will have a few options nearby. Specifically, look to the area just north of E. Jefferson Street and west of the arena. 

You’ll find a few places to grab a quick meal in this area, including Potbelly for sandwiches and Ingo’s Tasty Food. If you go in the other direction toward Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, you can find a spot called Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. This is a great location to get in the mood for a sporting event, and some of your fellow fans will be stopping by here, too. 

Footprint 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 Footprint Center.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

Depending on where you are coming from around the valley, getting to Footprint Center can take a while in traffic. 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

Footprint 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 Footprint 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 events at the Footprint Center is entertaining, but a smooth experience requires careful consideration of parking options. This comprehensive Footprint Center parking tips guide provides invaluable insights. We have tips on official parking lots like the Footprint Center Garage and the spacious Jefferson Street Garage, to third-party alternatives such as the Jackson Street lot.

For accessibility needs, both garages offer accessible parking, though arriving early is advised due to high demand. Public transportation, including the Valley Metro Light Rail, is hassle-free.

Remembering to arrive early and book your parking in advance. With this guide, you can confidently navigate parking and focus on enjoying the Footprint Center.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at Footprint Center (FAQs)

How much does parking cost at Footprint Center?

You’ll find varied parking prices depending on the event you will attend. It’s typically about $20 to $40 to park for an NBA or NHL game, but preferred lots will be more, and you might find even higher concert prices. It’s best to secure your parking as early as possible to give yourself plenty of choices.

Is Official Footprint Center Parking or a Third-Party Lot the Better Option?

When available, it’s hard to beat the convenience provided by the attached Footprint Center Garage because of its proximity to the arena. The nearby Jefferson Street Garage is also a good choice. With that said, using third-party parking is also a viable option, especially if you can find a good rate. 

What is the closest parking lot to Footprint Center?

The closest parking lot to Footprint Center is the attached Footprint Center Garage. 

Does Footprint Center offer bicycle parking?

Riding your bike to Footprint Center might be a good transportation solution when the weather isn’t too hot. Two bike racks are available on the property, one found on the first level of the attached parking garage and the other on the first level of the Jefferson Street Garage. 

What alternative transportation options are available?

You might want to consider using public transportation to avoid driving and parking, or you could use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to make the trip. 

How early are Footprint Center parking lots open?

The timing of parking lots opening up for vehicles to enter will depend on the event you are attending. If you buy parking in advance, the opening time of the lot should be included with your pass. Take a moment to confirm this information with the venue or parking facility in advance so you aren’t caught off-guard.