PPG Paints Arena Parking Tips in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins play their home games at PPG Paints Arena. Knowing where to park around this venue is one of the keys to having a great time at a hockey game, concert, or other event. 

This detailed PPG Paints Arena parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official PPG Paints Arena parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near PPG Paints Arena you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in Pittsburgh
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for Pittsburgh Penguins events
• Other valuable PPG Paints Arena parking tips to save time and money

Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out where you will park near PPG Paints Arena. Use the guide below to sort through your options and make a plan.

Official PPG Paints Arena Parking Lots

Official parking is available at PPG Paints Arena both in the venue’s lots and the Jim Shorkey RAM Parking Garage. The rates for parking in these areas will depend on the event you are attending.

In some cases, you can purchase parking in advance through Ticketmaster, although that is not an option for all events. 

Main Parking Lots 

If you want to reserve parking in advance for the garage or any of the main lots, you can check Ticketmaster for availability. If you don’t see any availability for the day you will attend, that doesn’t mean that parking won’t be available when you arrive.

Many of the spots are held for day-of-event parking and aren’t available for reservations. 

As you can see from the map above, any official lots, along with the parking garage, will leave you close to the venue and provide easy access. Prices will vary depending on which lot you pick and what event you are attending but expect to pay between $30 to $40 in most cases. 

EV Parking at PPG Paints Arena

Don’t plan on charging your EV while you are inside an event at PPG Paints Arena. There are a few chargers in the area, but none are particularly close to the venue, and you don’t want to be battling traffic and other EV owners while you should be having a good time.

Just charge up in advance and enjoy your outing.

Accessible Parking Spaces

Many of the lots around PPG Paints Arena offer accessible parking. To use these lots, you must have a valid license plate or placard upon arrival. The accessible parking is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also drop off anyone with mobility limitations at the Peoples Gate on the arena’s southwest corner. 

Third-Party Parking Options at PPG Paints Arena

There are many great third-party parking choices to pick from near PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

SpotHero is an easy and convenient way to reserve parking in advance so you can know exactly where you’ll leave your vehicle once you arrive.

The US Steel Tower Garage is one of the best options for a blend of proximity and value. It’s only about a 15-minute walk from this garage over to the arena, and you’ll often pay under $20 for your spot.

There are closer parking options available, such as the lot at 1225 Fifth Ave. which is only five minutes away, but the cost will often be over $30 to park this close.

Free Parking at PPG Paints Arena

It’s going to be difficult to find free parking near PPG Paints Arena. This venue is located near the heart of Pittsburgh and there is plenty of competition for real estate and parking spaces in the area surrounding the venue. You could try to drive around for a while hoping to get lucky, but you’ll be better served just to pick out a paid spot and start enjoying the evening right away. 

Public Transportation to PPG Paints Arena

The Port Authority Bus Service and the Port Authority Light Rail can help you get to the area around PPG Paints Arena. The best way to plan out your trip is to use the Trip Planner function offered by the Port Authority to figure out the easiest path to the venue. 

For many people, the light rail service will be the best bet. While there are three stations downtown, and you could technically use any of them to get off and walk to the venue, the Steel Plaza station will leave you closest. If you stay within the Golden Triangle for your ride, you won’t have to pay a fare for riding the light rail. 

Ridesharing to PPG Paints Arena

If you’d like to use a rideshare service to get to or leave an event here, you can use the zone on Wylie Avenue off Fullerton Street, just to the north of the arena. It’s only a short walk to here and you can connect with your driver and be on your way. 

PPG Paints Arena Events

Hockey might be the main attraction for many at this venue, but those games are only the start of what you can experience here. Look over the table below for tickets to any upcoming event at PPG Paints Arena.

Bars and Restaurants near PPG Paints Arena

Hoping to arrive early and have something to eat or a cold drink before you attend an event at PPG Paints Arena? There are some good options around this venue, so plan your schedule accordingly and enjoy the buildup to the event with other fans. 

Souper Bowl is one nearby establishment you might want to consider for this purpose. Located just across Fifth Ave. from the arena, this bar offers your standard game day menu, plenty of drink options, and a fun atmosphere. 

PPG Paints Arena 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 bit of a nightmare.  

Let’s review some basic parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at PPG Paints Arena.

Arrive Early and Beat Traffic

If you don’t leave early enough, traffic around Pittsburgh could cause you to be late for your event. 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

PPG Paints Arena 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 PPG Paints Arena. 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

When attending events at PPG Paints Arena, home to the Pittsburgh Penguins, having a solid parking plan is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable experience. This comprehensive guide provides insights into official and third-party parking options, accessibility, public transit alternatives, and practical tips.

By following these recommendations, you can ensure a hassle-free visit to PPG Paints Arena and focus on enjoying the event.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at PPG Paints Arena (FAQs)