Parking officials here recommend Rays fans get to tonight's sold-out home opener against the New York Yankees as much as two hours early to scope out the best spots and avoid traffic hassles on interstates 275 and 175.
"We've been doing this for 10 years and we've got it down pretty good. Generally, it's crowded down here an hour and a half before the game and an hour and a half after the game," said Joe Kubicki, the city's director of transportation and parking.
Game time is 7:08 p.m.
Kubicki says fans arriving well in advance can expect about 7,000 parking spots around Tropicana Field. Fans arriving within two hours of the first pitch will find about 4,000 spaces in surface lots within a half-mile from the stadium.
Generally, parking at most spaces costs $10-$15.
Like last season, the Rays' carpooling deal is in effect. Vehicles with four or more fans can park for free at the main stadium parking areas.
If you don't have four fans in your car, try the city's South Core Garage on First Avenue just east of Second Street. Parking there is $5. There's a free shuttle. Otherwise it's about a mile-long walk to the stadium.
The shuttle was available for select games last year, but Kubicki said the city plans to make it available at every home game this season.
Folks going to the game from Tampa might feel I-275-to-I-175 is pretty much the only option, but Kubicki suggests fans also try a handful of interstate-free alternatives.
Among them is 4th Street just across the Howard Frankland Bridge. Farther down, motorists can exit at 54th Avenue, 38th Avenue or 22nd Avenue and then take a right at 16th Street. That will lead directly to the stadium.
From south, he suggests exiting 31st Street and taking Fifth Avenue.
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