Overview & Suitability

The Fifth Third Black Lot, located at 634 Big Shanty Rd NW in Kennesaw, GA, is one of the primary event and gameday parking areas for Kennesaw State University (KSU) Sports and Entertainment Park, most notably serving fans attending events at Fifth Third Stadium. This spacious open-air surface lot is highly suitable for standard passenger vehicles, SUVs, and light trucks. Because it acts as the university’s premier single-game tailgating zone, it is tailored specifically for sports fans and event-goers. However, please note that while standard vehicles are the primary occupants, larger vehicles such as buses and RVs are typically restricted to the nearby Grey Lot (at 3333 Busbee Dr) rather than the Black Lot.

Access, Dimensions & Clearance

As an outdoor, open-air surface lot, the Fifth Third Black Lot has no height clearance restrictions, making it an excellent option for taller passenger vehicles, rooftop cargo carriers, and standard trucks. The lot features wide, direct access points off Big Shanty Road NW. Navigating the lot is relatively simple, though traffic can become heavily congested along Chastain Road and George Busbee Parkway on major gamedays. Drivers should expect clear lane markings and a flat, paved surface, with no tight overhead clearances or narrow parking garage ramps to worry about.

Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking

Parking rates at the Black Lot vary depending on the event and whether passes are purchased in advance or on the day of the game. For standard KSU Football games and major events, prepaying online is highly recommended to secure a spot and speed up entry. Rates generally structure as follows:

• Prepaid Gameday Parking: Approximately $19.00 to $25.00 when booked in advance online.
• Day-of-Game Parking (In-Person): Typically $20.00 to $25.00, subject to availability (credit/debit card only; cash is not accepted).
• Tailgate-Specific Spaces: If you plan to set up a 10'x10' pop-up canopy tent, dedicated tailgating spaces in the Black Lot must be purchased in advance for approximately $40.00 to $60.00 (rates can go higher for season-long passes or high-demand games like Homecoming).

Outside of official stadium events, daily or hourly parking is generally managed under KSU’s campus parking regulations, where permits are digital and linked directly to vehicle license plates via License Plate Recognition (LPR). For general campus visitors during non-event times, visitor parking is paid via the ParkMobile app, with rates starting at $3.00 for the first hour up to a $12.00 daily maximum.

Security & Amenities

The facility is well-maintained and heavily patrolled during major university events. Security features include active monitoring by Kennesaw State University Police, event staff attendants stationed at entry/exit points on gamedays, and overhead street lighting for evening games. Convenient amenities include close proximity to the stadium entrance, accessible ADA parking spaces (on a first-come, first-served basis with a valid state placard and parking pass), and nearby access to the Big Owl Bus shuttle system, which services the wider KSU campus.

Strategic Alternative

The Black Lot serves as an ideal, strategic parking hub not just for Fifth Third Stadium, but also for nearby athletic venues like the Owl's Nest and The Perch. It also provides convenient foot access to the scenic Noonday Creek Trail and Big Shanty Road Trail, making it an alternative starting point for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. For non-sporting events or general campus visits, parking here avoids the heavily congested central decks on the main campus while still keeping you connected via KSU's transit loops.