Facility Overview

Lot 18 at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a spacious, open-air surface parking facility situated at 801 N Mercer Rd on the university\'s eastern athletics and recreation corridor. Comprising several hundred marked bays, this surface lot provides ground-level parking directly adjacent to major campus athletic venues. Because Lot 18 is completely uncovered, there are no vertical clearance restrictions or low overhead beams, making it an excellent parking choice for standard passenger vehicles, oversized pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, and high-roof transit vans alike.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned on the east side of the BGSU campus, Lot 18 offers unmatched proximity to top athletic, recreational, and event facilities. It is within short walking distance to:

• Perry Field House: Located immediately adjacent, serving as the premier indoor track and field, turf sports, and campus recreation venue (less than a 1-minute walk).
• Slater Family Ice Arena: Home to BGSU Falcon hockey, youth leagues, and public ice skating sessions (approx. a 3- to 5-minute walk).
• Doyt L. Perry Stadium: BGSU’s football venue, making this lot a popular staging and parking point for Falcon football game days (approx. a 5- to 7-minute walk).
• Cochrane-Pence Soccer Field & Meserve Softball Field: Directly accessible for collegiate soccer and softball fixtures.
• BGSU Student Recreation Center: Reachable in under 8 minutes on foot across Mercer Road.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress to Lot 18 are straightforward, with primary access points directly off North Mercer Road and connecting service drives from Alumni Drive and East Poe Road. The wide lot aprons allow for smooth traffic dispersal even during post-game surges following hockey games or track invitationals. For regional motorists, the facility is conveniently positioned just minutes from Interstate 75 (via Exit 181 at East Wooster Street or Exit 182 at East Poe Road). Campus shuttle bus routes also stop within comfortable walking distance, offering direct connections across the academic core of the university.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Open-Air Surface Parking: Generous driving aisles and wide stall widths allow easy maneuvering and parking without overhead height constraints.
• Digital Payment Integration: Visitors can pay conveniently on-demand through the PayByPhone mobile parking app or web service.
• ADA Accessible Stalls: Designated accessible parking spaces located near pedestrian walkways leading to Perry Field House and the Ice Arena.
• Campus Security & Lighting: Well-lit with high-intensity overhead lot lighting, supported by 24/7 patrols from the BGSU Police Department.
• 24/7 Access: The surface lot remains open around the clock for permit holders, event attendees, and registered visitors.

Ideal For

• Athletics Spectators & Event Attendees: Families and fans attending BGSU hockey games, track meets, youth sports tournaments, and club athletics.
• BGSU Students & Faculty: Permit holders seeking reliable weekday parking near the eastern campus academic and athletic complexes.
• Recreation Visitors: Community members and students accessing the Perry Field House batting cages, indoor track, and synthetic turf fields.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Standard university parking regulations apply: active permits or paid visitor sessions through PayByPhone are typically enforced Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Visitors can purchase an affordable hourly or daily pass directly via the mobile app by entering the designated lot zone number displayed on posted signage. During high-profile Falcon hockey games or weekend invitationals, arrive 30 to 45 minutes before start times to secure prime stalls closest to facility entrances.