Will parking in "da Dome" be first-come, first serve?

There was an article in the paper over the weekend about the Dome and NOPD. Don't have the link. The jist of it is that NOPD will be seeking out scalpers. They are supposed to try and limit the people around the dome to those with tickets (Good luck). The 2002 security measures are NOT in effect for this game. Anticipate parking at the dome to run as high as $20 for this event. There is also event parking at the mall next door.

 

You are probably better off parking somewhere away from the Dome and taking a taxi to and from your vehicle. After the 2002 Sugar Bowl against Illinois it was an absolute mad house around the Dome for a long while. If you park around the Dome don't plan on leaving anytime soon after the game. Park somewhere that the traffic will not be to bad leaving and Taxi back to your vehicle or favorite victory celebration watering hole.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if there were NO parking at all in the Dome garage due to security concerns. What was done for the Super Bowl in 02?

 

I would avoid the parking garages, especially at the dome or N.O. Centre. I kick myself whenever I go to a concert or game and forget my own rule.

While people arrive sporadically for a concert/game, they all LEAVE at the same time, resulting in a huge bottleneck. Whenever I park at NO Centre, not only is there a bottleneck, but NO ONE can actually leave because there is so much pedestrian traffic streaming in front of the exits. It can be a nightmare.

Another thing to consider is that some garages might close at a certain hour. You might decide to leave your car and go party in the quarter after the game, only to find your car locked inside later.

My advice is to park way uptown on St Charles early Sunday (for free), take the streetcar downtown, and take a cab back to your car later. The cab won't cost any more than the parking space would have. Plus think of how much better your mood will be because to find a spot (at any price) downtown will involve an hour or two of driving in circles looking for a spot, stuck in traffic, etc. Heck, parking uptown will probably be faster AND cheaper.

 

Taking a cab is silly, the fare would be a $1,000 because all you would be doing is sitting in traffic like everyone else...I'm telling you, park across the Claiborne bridge by those warehouses. You have great access to I-10 and you can beat all the traffic and better yet, it's free. Damn, would y'all listen!

 

Let me clarify - I did not mean getting a cab immediately after the game - good luck even getting one then. I meant to get a cab several hours after the game after celebrating awhile and AFTER the traffic is gone.

I've parked across Claiborne for Saints games too. It is fine for the day games when you are returning to your car with a crowd at 3:00 P.M., but I wouldn't advise it if stumbling back to the car at 3:00 A.M.

 

YOu wouldn't be stumbling back to your car near Claiborne at 3am if you were partying in the quarter all night. That is quite a haul, much less if you have been "partying." Plus, that is not the friendliest of neighborhoods. Remember also, Charity Hospital is between Canal and Poydras across from the dome.

 

It's obvious you have no experience taking cabs after football games at the Dome. After the 2002 Sugar Bowl it cost four of us 15 bucks to go several miles in bad traffic. $15 is a bit high but quite a bit shy of $1000 that you mentioned. I was also partying on Bourbon street while many were just starting their cars.:dis: :dis: :dis: :dis: :dis: :dis: :dis: :dis:

 

A semi-related side-note for anybody staying out in the Metairie/Kenner area:

Be sure that if/when you catch a cab from the CBD and Quarter area back out to Metairie/Kenner that you clarify the rate method with the cabbie before you get in. The guys who work the CBD and Quarter always try to charge you the airport flat rate (around $28 a person) for trips from the Quarter to Metairie/Kenner. It's only about a $15 ride when charged on the meter. If they get testy, move on to another.

Just a friendly public service announcement for all out of towners staying in the J.P.

 

Zephyr Stadium to be Opened to RV Parking and Tailgating
Shuttles available

Metairie, La. -- Zephyr Field, home of the Pacific Coast League New Orleans Zephyrs, located on Airline Drive in Metairie and eight miles from the Louisiana Superdome will allow fans in town for the Sugar Bowl to park RV's, trailers, campers and buses in one of five paved parking lots on Friday January 2nd, Saturday January 3rd, Sunday January 4th and Monday January 5th. The parking lots at Zephyr Field are in a lighted and enclosed area.

"This is a wonderful event for the area and the region by utilizing a resource at Zephyr Field" states New Orleans Zephyrs Vice president/General Manager Dan Rajkowski. "This enables all tailgating fans to have a wonderful experience leading up to the championship game on January 4th."

"I am looking forward to being a part of 'Tailgating with the Champions'" states Joe Cahn, Commissioner of Tailgating. "This is something missing from the game and the Zephyrs have taken the lead in generating excitement about tailgating leading up to the game on Sunday."

Details are as follows:
Fans will be allowed to park starting on Friday January 2nd at 8:00 a.m.
$150 for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
$125 for Saturday, Sunday and Monday
$75 for Sunday and Monday
Single cars will be charged $10 per day.
Restrooms will be available for fans.
Transportation will be available to game
VIP entertainment area to watch games on TV
Championship Game will be broadcast on Radio
All vehicles must be moved out by Monday at 6:00 p.m.
For more information and to reserve a parking spot call (504) 734-5155 ext 230.

Directions to Zephyr Field from I-10. Exit at Clearview Parkway (exit 226) and head south. Turn right on Airline Drive (US 61 North). Travel down Airline approximately 2-3 stop lights. Zephyr Field is on the left