By james art BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBMA) – Birmingham Parks and Recreation has announced updates to parking arrangements at Legion Field for the annual Magic City Classic game.
The department said the changes come in response to increased demand, logistical challenges and problems during Saturday’s game.
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The department opened a pre-sale for 450 parking spaces in “Lot F” on the field on Friday, October 18. The parking lot is designed to accommodate up to 500 vehicles.
The department said the purpose of the early sales is to streamline access on game day and reduce congestion.
However, the department said parking passes for individual vehicles were distributed among groups of people and used for multiple cars, a violation of the buyer agreement.
The department said this created complications leading to overcapacity and congestion, eventually resulting in more than 1,000 cars parked in Lot F and overflowing into the nearby bus stand.
The department said it had tested the pre-sale method in attempts to improve efficiency, but decided that the day of sales was better suited to the event.
Beginning immediately, the department said new game day parking procedures will be implemented at Legion Field for Lot F.
Parking will now be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with sales beginning at 5:00 a.m. on game day. You will not be allowed to enter the lot at the back.
The department said the adjustment will help manage flow and ensure that only permitted vehicles are accommodated in Lot F. All ADA parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, you can visit the Birmingham Park and Recreation Department website at birminghamal.gov.