Overview & Suitability
The Fifth Third Green Lot, located at 3305 Busbee Dr NW in Kennesaw, GA, is a specialized surface parking facility primarily serving Kennesaw State University (KSU) students, staff, and stadium visitors. Situated adjacent to the KSU Center, this lot functions as a dedicated commuter shuttle lot during normal academic semesters and transitions into a highly controlled student-exclusive lot during football gamedays and major events at the nearby Fifth Third Bank Stadium. Because it is an open-air surface lot, it is highly suitable for standard passenger vehicles including sedans, SUVs, and large pickup trucks. While school shuttles and transit buses navigate the periphery, overnight camping or unauthorized RV parking is strictly prohibited; specialized oversized vehicles (such as buses or RVs) are typically redirected to the nearby Grey Lot.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
Accessing the Green Lot is straightforward due to its proximity to major highways. From I-75, drivers can take Exit 271, head east on Chastain Road NW, and turn right onto Busbee Drive NW to find the entrance on the right. From I-575, taking Exit 3 and heading west on Chastain Road followed by a left onto Busbee Drive NW provides direct entry. Because it is a flat, expansive surface lot, there are no structural height clearance limitations that you would find in multi-story parking garages, making it exceptionally easy to navigate. Roadways and drive lanes within the lot are wide, accommodating standard passenger traffic with clear signage pointing toward exit routes and shuttle stops.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
Parking regulations and pricing vary significantly depending on the day of the week and campus scheduling:
- Academic Days: KSU students and staff must possess a valid virtual parking permit (linked via License Plate Recognition) or a Shuttle Permit (Pink). General visitors wishing to park here should refer to KSU's visitor parking guidelines, which utilize pay stations or the ParkMobile app for hourly/daily parking in designated visitor spaces.
- Football Gamedays: On home game days, the Green Lot operates as a "Students Only" lot. Students must claim a specific Green Lot parking pass through the university's athletics portal starting the Monday prior to kickoff. There are no on-the-spot cash sales, and a valid student ID is required for verification at the entrance.
Security & Amenities
The Green Lot features standard institutional-grade security, including regular patrols by Kennesaw State University Public Safety and University Police. The area is well-lit for night-time safety, though it remains an open surface facility without gated physical barriers. Key amenities include the designated stop for the "Big Owl Bus" (BOB) shuttle, which runs continuously to connect commuter parkers directly with the main Kennesaw campus. Its position also makes it the ideal spot to view the popular pre-game "Owl Walk," where the football team is dropped off right at the Green Lot entrance before marching to the stadium.
Strategic Alternative
For students and campus visitors looking to bypass the heavily congested parking decks on the main campus, the Green Lot serves as an excellent park-and-ride hub. By leaving their vehicles here, drivers can enjoy a hassle-free, short commute via the free Big Owl Bus shuttle. On event days, its prime position next to the Fifth Third Bank Stadium offers unparalleled convenience for authorized student ticketholders wanting to be in the center of the pre-game action.
