How Much Is Parking at PPG Paints Arena?
Parking at PPG Paints Arena for Pittsburgh Penguins games typically runs between $12 and $45 depending on the lot and how close to tip-off you arrive.
Official Jim Shorkey lots are the priciest and most convenient options on game nights. The Jim Shorkey Auto Group Garage checks in at $45, the South Lot and Fullerton Lot each run $40, the East Lot is $37, and the Melody Tent Lot is the most affordable official option at $30. Third-party and off-site garages booked through apps like ParkWhiz, SpotHero, or ParkMobile can range from roughly $10 to $25, making them a strong value pick for budget-conscious fans.
All official PPG Paints Arena lots are cashless, so bring a card or pre-purchase through ParkWhiz — the arena’s official parking partner — before you leave home. Rates can spike significantly for high-demand matchups or concerts, so early booking is the single best way to lock in a lower price.
PPG Paints Arena Parking Lots and Maps
PPG Paints Arena is surrounded by several official Jim Shorkey surface lots and one attached parking garage, all positioned within easy walking distance of the arena’s gates.
The Jim Shorkey Auto Group Parking Garage is the closest option to the arena, located directly adjacent to the building at 1280 Centre Avenue. It can accommodate vehicles up to 13 feet 6 inches tall and is accessible from Centre Avenue or Bigelow Boulevard. The South Lot, Fullerton Lot (on Centre Avenue), East Lot, and Melody Tent Lot are the main surrounding surface lots, each offering different distances and price points. The Melody Tent Lot is the most budget-friendly official surface option at $30 per event.
Beyond the official lots, nearby independent options include the Chatham Center Garage, the U.S. Steel Building Garage, and the Mellon Center Garage, all of which are walkable to the arena. The parking lots at PPG Paints Arena open two hours prior to game time for Penguins home games, so plan your arrival window accordingly. Use the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s online parking map for a full view of all available options in the surrounding blocks.
Preferred/Premium Parking at PPG Paints Arena
The closest and most premium parking at PPG Paints Arena is the Jim Shorkey Auto Group Parking Garage, located directly next to the arena on Centre Avenue.
On Pittsburgh Penguins game days, the parking garage attached to PPG Paints Arena is reserved exclusively for season ticket holders. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so even season pass holders should arrive well before puck drop. Suite ticket holders for Penguins games have their own private parking garage entrance, separate from the general public.
For non-Penguins events, the attached garage opens up to general parking. Fans who want a guaranteed premium spot near the building should pre-purchase through ParkWhiz well in advance, as Jim Shorkey lots adjacent to the arena sell out early for popular events.
Free Parking Near PPG Paints Arena
Truly free parking directly adjacent to PPG Paints Arena is very limited, but budget options do exist if you are willing to walk or plan carefully.
Street parking in the downtown and Uptown neighborhoods surrounding the arena is limited, often metered or residential permit only, and typically subject to additional event restrictions on game and concert nights. On-street meter enforcement times vary by block, so checking posted signs before leaving your car is essential. Some meters may go unenforced after a certain evening hour, but availability near the arena on game nights is minimal.
The best free parking strategy is to park near a Port Authority T station further from downtown — such as near the Allegheny station on the North Shore or another outer station — and ride the T into the downtown free fare zone for no charge. This approach eliminates event-night congestion and saves $30 or more compared to official lots. Many visitors also choose to park further away in city or private garages and walk, which can offer a smoother exit after the event than lots immediately adjacent to the arena.
Can You Tailgate at PPG Paints Arena?
Yes, tailgating is allowed at PPG Paints Arena in the open-air surface lots, but it is not permitted inside the enclosed parking garage.
Tailgating in the official lots typically begins when the lots open, which is around two hours before game time for Penguins games — though some sources note lots can open up to four hours before tip-off for major events. Fans should confirm the exact opening time for their specific event. Open flames are prohibited in all lots, though cooking grills are allowed in outdoor, non-enclosed lots as long as they do not produce open flames.
Tailgaters must stay within their paid parking space and cannot spread into adjacent spots, block driving lanes, or restrict traffic flow in any way. Personal or private toilets and port-a-potties are also not permitted. Tailgating rules can vary by event, so checking with the arena ahead of time for any specific restrictions is always a good idea.
ADA and Handicap Parking at PPG Paints Arena
Accessible parking at PPG Paints Arena is available in four official surface lots: the East Lot, Fullerton Lot, South Lot, and West Lot.
Designated spaces in these lots are reserved for vehicles displaying a current state-issued disability placard or license plate. All accessible spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans with mobility needs should plan to arrive well before game time. Fans with accessible parking placards are encouraged by the Penguins organization to pre-purchase parking in the Fullerton Lot on Centre Avenue as their primary option.
Accessible parking is also available in the parking garage attached to PPG Paints Arena, though availability varies by event. For garage accessibility inquiries, call 412-642-1800 or reach the PA Relay Service at 7-1-1. The accessible drop-off location is on Fifth Avenue near the Peoples Gate at the southwest corner of PPG Paints Arena. PPG Paints Arena also provides complimentary wheelchair escorts for guests upon request at any entry point.
Uber and Lyft Drop-Off at PPG Paints Arena
The designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone at PPG Paints Arena is located at the corner of Fullerton Street and Wylie Avenue.
Lyft is the official rideshare partner of PPG Paints Arena. When heading to the arena, your driver can route directly to the Fullerton Street and Wylie Avenue zone. After the game, exit through the Highmark Gate or F.N.B. Gate to reach the rideshare zone most efficiently. Uber riders use the same designated corner at Fullerton Street and Wylie Avenue for both pickup and drop-off.
Post-game rideshare demand surges quickly after the final buzzer, which leads to longer wait times and surge pricing. To minimize wait time after the game, consider walking a few blocks away from the arena before requesting your ride, or linger at a nearby bar or restaurant while the immediate post-game crowd clears out.
Public Transit to PPG Paints Arena
PPG Paints Arena is one of the most transit-accessible arenas in the NHL, served by Pittsburgh’s light rail T system and more than ten Port Authority bus routes.
The Port Authority T light rail connects three downtown stations — Steel Plaza, Wood Street, and First Avenue — with Station Square and the South Hills. Steel Plaza Station, located at Ross Street and 6th Avenue, is the closest T stop to PPG Paints Arena and is just blocks from the EQT Gate and the Highmark Gate. Service within the downtown Golden Triangle is free at all times, meaning if you board at Steel Plaza, Wood Street, or First Avenue, you ride for free.
Multiple Port Authority bus routes serve stops on Fifth Avenue inbound and Forbes Avenue outbound near the arena, including routes 61A (East Pittsburgh-Wilkinsburg), 61B (Braddock-Swissvale), 61C (McKeesport-Homestead), 61D (Murray), 71A (Negley), 71C (Point Breeze), 71D (Hamilton), and 500 (Highland Park-Bellevue). Several additional routes stop within a short walk in downtown Pittsburgh. Use the Port Authority Trip Planner at portauthority.org or call 412-442-2000 to plan your route.
PPG Paints Arena Parking Tips
The single most effective tip for PPG Paints Arena parking is to pre-purchase your spot through ParkWhiz before you leave home — all official lots are cashless and sell out well before puck drop on popular game nights.
Arrive at least 90 minutes before game time if you are driving. The lots officially open two hours prior to the game, and the closer lots fill quickly. Fans entering from the Fifth Avenue side (Peoples Gate) should look for the West Lot or nearby garage options. Fans using the Centre Avenue entrances (Highmark Gate or F.N.B. Gate) should target the Fullerton Lot or South Lot. The Melody Tent Lot is the most affordable official surface lot at $30 and is a solid value if you do not mind a slightly longer walk.
For the smoothest post-game exit, consider parking in a garage near a T station further from the arena — such as near the Allegheny station on the North Shore — and riding the free downtown T zone in and out. This eliminates the gridlock that routinely surrounds the arena after major events. Buses transporting groups can pre-purchase a group bus parking pass by calling 412-804-7904.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does parking cost at PPG Paints Arena for a Penguins game?
Official Jim Shorkey lot prices for Penguins games range from $30 (Melody Tent Lot) to $45 (Auto Group Garage). Third-party and off-site garages booked through apps like ParkWhiz or SpotHero can run as low as $10u2013$20 if reserved in advance.
Can I pre-purchase parking at PPG Paints Arena?
Yes. ParkWhiz is the official parking partner of PPG Paints Arena, and pre-purchasing is strongly encouraged. All official lots are cashless, so pre-booking online or through the app is the easiest way to guarantee your spot.
What time do PPG Paints Arena parking lots open?
The parking lots at PPG Paints Arena open two hours prior to game time for Pittsburgh Penguins home games. Arriving close to opening is recommended, as the nearest lots fill quickly.
Where is the Uber and Lyft drop-off zone at PPG Paints Arena?
The designated rideshare pickup and drop-off zone is located at the corner of Fullerton Street and Wylie Avenue. After the event, exit through the Highmark Gate or F.N.B. Gate to reach the zone most directly.
Is handicap parking available at PPG Paints Arena?
Yes. Accessible spaces are available in the East Lot, Fullerton Lot, South Lot, and West Lot for vehicles displaying a valid state-issued disability placard or license plate. Spaces are first-come, first-served, so arriving early is essential. The ADA drop-off location is on Fifth Avenue near the Peoples Gate.
Is tailgating allowed at PPG Paints Arena?
Tailgating is permitted in the open-air surface lots but is prohibited inside the enclosed parking garage. Fans must stay within their paid space, cannot block traffic lanes, and open flames are not allowed. Lots typically open around two hours before game time.
What is the closest T station to PPG Paints Arena?
Steel Plaza Station, located at Ross Street and 6th Avenue, is the closest T stop to PPG Paints Arena u2014 just blocks from the EQT Gate and Highmark Gate. Riding within the downtown Golden Triangle free fare zone costs nothing.
Is there free parking near PPG Paints Arena?
Free on-street parking directly near the arena is extremely limited on game and event nights due to meters, permit zones, and event restrictions. The best free parking strategy is to park near an outer T station and ride the light rail into the free downtown fare zone.
