Facility Overview

The EVOC Field of Dreams Pickle Lot is an expansive open-air event and auxiliary parking area situated on the historic Pratt & Whitney airfield grounds in East Hartford, Connecticut (ZIP 06118). Designed to handle high-capacity crowds during university athletic fixtures, outdoor spectacles, and regional training exercises, this versatile ground lot offers straightforward entry and robust maneuvering lanes. Because it is completely open-air without multi-story decks or structural ceiling canopies, the facility offers unlimited vertical clearance. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for high-profile vehicles, including full-size pickup trucks, passenger vans, SUVs with roof racks, and game-day tailgating rigs.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned just east of the Connecticut River, the Pickle Lot sits in the immediate orbit of major East Hartford sports, retail, and commercial destinations:

• Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field: Located just a brief walk or shuttle connection away, this 40,000-seat stadium is home to UConn Huskies Division I FBS Football, major international soccer friendlies, high-profile music concerts, and NCAA lacrosse tournaments.
• Cabela\'s East Hartford: The premier outdoor retail outfitter is minutes from the lot, serving as a popular shopping stop for outdoor gear, hunting, and fishing enthusiasts.
• Silver Lane Commercial District: Features numerous fast-casual eateries, diners, and service stations convenient for pre-event dining or refueling.
• Downtown Hartford & Riverfront: Situated less than a 10-minute drive across the river, providing quick access to the Connecticut Convention Center, Connecticut Science Center, and downtown dining.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers benefit from fast, direct regional highway connectivity via Interstate 84 (Exit 58 for Roberts Street/Silver Lane), Interstate 384, and Connecticut Route 15 (Wilbur Cross Highway). Dedicated event traffic routing guides inbound vehicles smoothly off Silver Lane and surrounding connector roads. Multiple egress lanes are deployed by local traffic management and police post-event to disperse congestion back toward major highway interchanges. For transit users, CTtransit bus lines serve routes along Silver Lane and Main Street, connecting directly to downtown Hartford\'s central transit hubs and the Hartford Union Station Amtrak/CTrail depot.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive Surface Parking: Level, heavy-duty surface parking designed to accommodate intense event-day traffic and temporary staging.
• Unrestricted Overhead Clearance: No height barriers or overhead ceilings, facilitating parking for lifted trucks, high-roof utility vans, and oversized spectator vehicles.
• Event Day Management & Staffing: Active on-site traffic marshals, parking attendants, and security personnel during major game days and scheduled events.
• ADA Accessibility: Designated accessible parking zones positioned close to primary pedestrian thoroughfares and event transit points.
• Tailgating Accommodation: Spacious layouts historically favored by fans participating in university tailgating rituals on approved stadium match days.

Ideal For

• College Football & Sports Spectators: UConn football supporters seeking dedicated parking and vibrant tailgating spaces within proximity to stadium gates.
• Concertgoers: Music fans attending large stadium performances who want straightforward post-concert access back onto Interstate 84.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts & Shoppers: Visitors exploring local sporting goods hubs and retail plazas along the East Hartford corridor.
• Fleet & Training Participants: Emergency vehicle and commercial driver training participants utilizing adjacent regional EVOC training courses.

Visitor & Driver Tips

To ensure a smooth parking experience, arrive at least 90 to 120 minutes prior to stadium kickoffs or concert start times to avoid highway off-ramp queues. Have payment methods ready at ingress booths—many stadium lots have shifted to digital cashless payments or pre-purchased mobile parking passes. Post-event traffic is subject to mandatory turn directions managed by traffic safety officers, so follow illuminated directional signage rather than strictly relying on navigation apps when exiting toward I-84 or Route 15.