Facility Overview
Lot 20 - Huntsman South is a primary open-air surface parking facility situated directly south of the renowned Jon M. Huntsman Center on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Utah. Serving as a crucial parking hub for university athletics, special events, students, faculty, and campus visitors, the lot is designed with standard wide drive aisles and clearly marked parking stalls. Because it is an outdoor surface lot without covered decks or parking structure ceilings, there are virtually no vertical height restrictions, making it an excellent parking choice for standard passenger sedans, large SUVs, pickup trucks, and taller passenger vans alike.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Lot 20 offers unbeatable convenience for sports enthusiasts, arts patrons, and academic visitors visiting the upper campus of the University of Utah. Key destinations within immediate walking distance include:
- Jon M. Huntsman Center: Located just steps to the north (less than a 2-minute walk), this landmark 15,000-seat arena hosts Utah Utes men’s and women’s basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, and major campus ceremonies.
- Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA): Located approximately a 4-minute walk (0.2 miles) northwest, offering world-class cultural exhibits and galleries.
- Rice-Eccles Stadium: Situated about a 12-minute walk (0.6 miles) to the west down South Campus Drive, making Lot 20 a favored overflow parking area for Utah Utes football game days and major stadium stadium concerts.
- A. Ray Olpin University Union: The bustling heart of campus student life, dining, and meetings, reachable in under 7 minutes on foot.
- Sorenson Arts & Education Complex: Immediately nearby to the east, accommodating conferences, lectures, and educational summits.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Lot 20 is accessed directly via South Campus Drive and Central Campus Drive, allowing seamless ingress for drivers arriving from Mario Capecchi Drive or Foothill Boulevard (US-186). For post-event exits, traffic officers and event staff frequently direct egress onto South Campus Drive to minimize delays. Public transit connectivity is exceptional: the South Campus TRAX Station on the UTA Red Line is situated directly across South Campus Drive (a 2-minute walk), providing swift, direct light rail connections to downtown Salt Lake City, Rice-Eccles Stadium, and the University of Utah Medical Center without having to navigate event congestion.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Spacious, open-air surface parking layout with clear stall striping and wide drive lanes.
- Designated ADA-accessible parking spaces positioned near paved pedestrian walkways with curb cuts.
- Extensive high-output campus pole lighting throughout the lot for driver and pedestrian safety after night games and events.
- Short walking distance to multiple campus shuttle stops and the UTA TRAX Red Line South Campus Station.
- Payment convenience managed by University of Utah Commuter Services, utilizing mobile payment systems and on-site pay kiosks where visitor parking applies.
- Periodic campus security and University of Utah Police Department (UUPD) patrols.
Ideal For
- Game-Day Fans & Concertgoers: Tailor-made for attendees heading to Utah Utes basketball, gymnastics meets, and events at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.
- Campus Visitors & Guest Lecturers: Convenient daily parking for guests visiting academic departments, art exhibits, and campus meetings.
- Commuters Connecting to Transit: Drivers looking to park near the South Campus TRAX station to transition onto public transit.
- Oversized Vehicle Drivers: Drivers of tall trucks, SUVs, and roof-racked vehicles who want to avoid restrictive parking garage clearance heights.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking regulations in Lot 20 are actively enforced by University of Utah Commuter Services. Standard university parking permit rules typically apply during business hours (generally Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM), requiring an authorized campus permit or payment via the mobile parking app/kiosk. During designated athletic competitions or special arena events, the lot often converts to flat-rate event parking or permit-only access. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before tip-off or curtain call to secure a space easily, and note your row number to streamline your walk back after dark.