World Series parking, etc.?

[BUWebguy]

So, my 8-year-old son and I are driving into town to attend the game tonight... Anyone have practical tips on attending a game of this magnitude?

Specifically, any suggestions on parking (considering we'll have both a World Series crowd, and still have some weekday downtown parking when we arrive)?

Also, how early should we plan on arriving downtown? We want to take in as much of the experience as possible. What are the security lines like early?

Thanks in advance.

[Limey]

There is plenty of surface parking downtown, it'll clear out early as it's Friday and everyone not going to the game will want to be out of the city and back home.  Expect to pay $20+ for a spot and have a decent walk thereafter.  Of course, the further away you park, the cheaper it is and the quicker you can get out after the game.  I would plan on parking where you have easiest access to your exit route.

I would give yourself as much time as you have available.  That way you should have options for parking, no worries about the lines, and plenty of time to enjoy what I'm sure will be a full spread of pre-game festivities.

[Astros Fan in Big D]

The garages in the theater district were closed during the ALDS (I'm guessing repair from the floods). I lucked into a street spot there but I would only park in that area if someone else here has done it since (weekend nights might change things).

I'd aim for 2 hours before game time if you want to soak it in.

[BudGirl]

There are a lot of lines for getting in.  I've been getting there before 4:30 for parking and just to have the time to settle my nerves. 

Back of CF will be packed but it one of the best places to take a picture.  Just be sure not to get lost from each other.

If you do get there that early, try to find street parking, but it will be going fast.  And if you find that $20 I'll be shocked if it isn't in Midtown.  I haven't seen any at that price because there really aren't a lot of lots close to MMP anymore.  I know Jim has his place to park but I do not remember where it is.    The suggestion to park with ease of getting out of there is a great suggestion though.

Where are you sitting?  I'll be in 134, wearing orange.

[Waldo]

If you do get there that early, try to find street parking, but it will be going fast.  And if you find that $20 I'll be shocked if it isn't in Midtown.

For game 1 of the ALDS we parked in a lot east(?) of the stadium.  Every lot we saw was going for $50-60, normally $20-30 during the regular season.  Fortunately, on our way out someone paid us $20 to use our parking ticket for the rest of the day/night.

[chuck]

Is there still free street parking east of 59 or has all of the development over there made that a thing of the past?

[gundy315]

All street parking is free after 6 pm, so if you can find a spot on the street, that'll be the cheapest option...even if you have to pay for 2-3 hours.  I usually have decent luck over around the courthouse (Congress/Austin/LaBranch/Franklin area).  There is a garage directly across the street from the courthouse (and a surface lot directly across Franklin from the garage) that should have some spots available by mid-afternoon.  That's only like 4-5 blocks from MMP, and provides a decent post-game escape route, if you head away from the stadium.

There is also a garage under Discovery Green with an entrance directly across the street from the front of GRB.  That may be a bit of a post-game clusterfuck, but it's worth checking out.

Of course, I've never tried to park for a WS game, so YMMV.  Good luck!

[BudGirl]

I should have also mentioned consider taking light rail/train.  It will probably be packed tighter than a can of sardines after the game though.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

You can also park at BBVA Compass Stadium between Rusk St & Walker St.

[Bench]

I should have also mentioned consider taking light rail/train.  It will probably be packed tighter than a can of sardines after the game though.

I took the train to both ALDS and ALCS games and there were plenty of seats available after the game.

If you park west of Main street you can get surface lots for $40 and getting out of downtown is pretty easy.  For Game 6 I lucked into $20 parking at the Episcopal Dioceses parking garage on San Jacinto and Texas.  There was a tiny sign and the garage was pretty empty, so that's the first place I would try if I were going again. 

[BUWebguy]

Thanks everyone -- very helpful!

(And BG -- we're in the nosebleeds, section 406. But we'll be there!)

[Astros Fan in Big D]

Thanks everyone -- very helpful!

(And BG -- we're in the nosebleeds, section 406. But we'll be there!)

Take earplugs for your son just in case.

[baron]

Take earplugs for your son just in case.

Yeah, it was REALLY loud during the ALCS.

It's too late for practical parking tips for tonight, but I'll say that I always park on the street at or around the old courthouse (on google maps "Historic 1910 Harris County Courthouse). I was able to get a spot there for Game 7 of the ALDS and all the parking lots around there were charging $40. I got there around 5 and paid $1.65 to make it until 6. There are also often stealthy spots behind the criminal courthouse on Commerce. My backup plan would be to park in a lot further west if necessary, but I haven't had to do that in some time.