More Reserved Parking Added for Basketball Games
The UA will add reserved parking spots for basketball games this year in anticipation of increased attendance, officials said. This means students will need to vacate the lots surrounding Bud Walton Arena two hours before tipoff of any home game.
Lots used for basketball games include 46, 47, 52, 55, 56, 57, 60, 62, 67, 73, 74 and 81, according to the UA Transit and Parking website.
The 17 remaining home games will run through February, according to the Arkansas Razorback Basketball schedule.
Lot 73 was added this year in anticipation of increased attendance, said Andy Gilbride, education instruction specialist for UA Transit and Parking.
“In the past, the team hasn’t done so well, so we haven’t had to use all the parking set aside, but this year that’s expected to change,” Gilbride said.
Some students have already been ticketed for parking in lots reserved during basketball games.
“I got a parking ticket last weekend [Nov. 16] because of the basketball game,” said Sean Miller, freshman pre-med major. Miller was parked in Lot 55.
Once students adjust to the change, it will be an easy transition, Gilbride said.
“After the first two or three games, it’s not a problem because students get used to it. I mean, this is nothing compared to football season because the attendance is lower and there’s no tailgating,” Gilbride said.
Still, students complain that it’s hard to remember to remove their cars from those lots.
“It is a huge inconvenience. I have to always put reminders in my phone to move it after I receive an email about it,” Miller said. “Most of the time, I’m doing homework in the library and it just leaves my mind.”
UA parking maps indicate that cars left in the Lot 55 will be relocated to Baum Stadium, not ticketed, Miller said.
“Not a single warning was given that I could receive a parking ticket, which is far different than being towed. Towing shows that you weren’t supposed to park there and they need all the spots they can. A parking ticket shows that it’s all a big game to bring in revenue,” Miller said.
Other students, like freshman Kyle Hallam, are not affected by the change.
“I don’t think [basketball games] bother me too much. I’m not even 100 percent sure what the rules are [for parking], but they haven’t made me change my actions thus far,” Hallam said.
The reserved spots aren’t necessary, especially at the cost of student parking, he said.
“It’s probably not necessary this year. I mean, we’re not going to be very good but we are supposed to be good in years to come, so maybe it could be utilized in the future,” Hallam said.
