About this Location

Facility Overview

Situated in the heart of Downtown Youngstown at 36 5th Ave, the Fifth Lot is a centrally located, open-air surface parking facility serving commuters, students, and entertainment seekers. Located just steps from the transition corridor between the city\'s vibrant downtown commercial district and the Youngstown State University (YSU) campus, this parking lot offers open-bay convenience with easy ground-level access. Because it is an open-air lot with no overhead barriers or low ceilings, it provides unobstructed vertical clearance, making it an excellent choice not only for standard sedans and compact cars, but also for full-size pickup trucks, large SUVs, and high-roof conversion vans that frequently face restrictions in conventional multi-deck parking structures.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

The Fifth Lot places drivers in prime positioning for the premier cultural, educational, and entertainment destinations across Youngstown:

Covelli Centre & The Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre: A brief 5- to 10-minute walk brings you to the city\'s top sports and live music venues, hosting Youngstown Phantoms hockey games, major touring concerts, community festivals, and civic events at Riverfront Park.
Youngstown State University (YSU): Located just up Fifth Avenue, the campus grounds, including Stambaugh Stadium, Beeghly Center, and university academic halls, are easily accessible within a short 5- to 10-minute walk or a 2-minute drive.
Downtown Federal Street Corridor: Located two blocks south, Downtown Youngstown\'s main street is loaded with popular restaurants, brewpubs, taverns, and nightlife spots such as the Mocha House, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, and The Federal.
DeYor Performing Arts Center & Powers Auditorium: A historic cultural cornerstone home to the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, located within comfortable walking distance along West Federal Street.
Tyler Mahoning Valley History Center: Conveniently located nearby for local regional exhibits and Mahoning Valley heritage tours.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via 5th Avenue, a primary multi-lane arterial connecting the downtown area directly to the university and northern neighborhoods. The lot\'s wide apron allows for rapid, hassle-free entry and exit, even during high-traffic moments when local concerts or games let out. Regional motorists benefit from immediate connections to Interstate 680, US Route 422, and Ohio State Route 7, providing seamless travel to and from Boardman, Warren, and the broader Mahoning Valley. For those incorporating public transit, the lot is situated within walking distance of the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) Federal Station, giving direct access to countywide bus lines.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous surface stalls and driving aisles allow for stress-free maneuvering and zero height clearance issues.
Simple Entry and Exit: Direct street curb cuts on 5th Avenue ensure seamless drive-in access without bottlenecking.
Self-Parking Convenience: Quick park-and-walk setup ideal for independent visitors and daily commuters.
Night Illumination: Perimeter lighting provides clear visibility across stalls and footpaths during evening and nighttime events.
Designated Accessible Stalls: ADA-compliant parking spaces positioned close to pedestrian curb cuts for easy wheelchair and stroller transit.

Ideal For

Event & Concert Attendees: Exceptional parking for visitors attending arena shows at the Covelli Centre or outdoor music performances at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
YSU Students & Visitors: A cost-effective alternative for commuters, guest lecturers, alumni, and fans attending university athletic matches at Stambaugh Stadium.
Downtown Diners & Nightlife Guests: Convenient spot for weekend evenings exploring local culinary offerings and breweries along Federal Plaza.
Local Business Commuters: Reliable parking for professionals working in county municipal buildings, law offices, and downtown corporate headquarters.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During major arena concerts or university homecoming weekends, downtown parking fills quickly; planning your arrival 30 to 45 minutes before curtain or puck drop is strongly advised. Remember to verify posted signs at the entrance regarding special-event flat rates or automated mobile app payment instructions. If approaching via I-680, take the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard or West Federal Street exits for the most direct, low-congestion route to 5th Avenue.