Facility Overview
Lot 5 is a spacious, open-air surface parking facility situated at 1124 E Merry Avenue on the eastern side of the Bowling Green State University (BGSU) campus in Bowling Green, Ohio. Serving as one of the primary parking hubs for collegiate athletics, recreational sports, and campus events, the lot features wide driving aisles and standard ground-level stall configurations. Because it is an open-air surface lot without low-hanging ceiling beams, overhead ductwork, or restrictive clearance bars, Lot 5 easily accommodates high-profile vehicles including lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, passenger vans, and light commercial vehicles with roof accessories.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Lot 5 offers an exceptional vantage point for campus visitors, students, and athletics fans. Located directly adjacent to the Slater Family Ice Arena, home to BGSU Falcons NCAA Division I men\'s ice hockey and community ice skating, it provides door-to-door convenience for rink events. In addition, Perry Field House, the BGSU Student Recreation Center, and the Cochrane-Cunningham Soccer Field are all within a 2 to 5-minute stroll. Doyt L. Perry Stadium, the centerpiece for Falcons football, and the Stroh Center arena are also easily accessible on foot or via campus shuttles within an 8 to 12-minute walk. Furthermore, off-campus restaurants, student dining spots, and local retail venues along East Wooster Street are situated less than a half-mile away.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress to Lot 5 are facilitated via East Merry Avenue, with direct connectivity to North Mercer Road and North College Drive. This strategic configuration allows quick dispersal following hockey games, track meets, and other high-attendance sports gatherings. For regional travelers, Interstate 75 is directly reachable via Exit 181 (East Wooster Street) or Exit 182, providing seamless highway travel to Toledo, Findlay, and surrounding northwest Ohio communities. The lot is also serviced by BGSU Falcon Shuttle bus routes operating throughout the academic semester, making cross-campus commuting fast and stress-free.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Open-air, ground-level surface parking with unobstructed vertical clearance for large trucks and tall vehicles.
- Dedicated ADA-accessible parking spaces located along the closest perimeter to campus facility walkways.
- Modern overhead security lighting ensuring clear visibility during night games and late-evening training sessions.
- Digital parking management with permit enforcement and mobile payment integration via the ParkMobile app and BGSU Parking Services portals.
- Paved asphalt surface featuring high-visibility directional markings and clear lane striping.
- Immediate pedestrian sidewalk links feeding into the main athletic and recreational campus walkways.
Ideal For
- Falcon hockey fans attending matches at the Slater Family Ice Arena.
- Athletes, families, and visitors participating in competitions at the Perry Field House or campus track facilities.
- BGSU students, faculty, and university permit holders needing weekday campus parking.
- Community members attending public open skate sessions, youth hockey tournaments, or campus recreation activities.
Visitor & Driver Tips
During BGSU home hockey games and major university weekend tournaments, Lot 5 experiences peak demand and may transition to special event pricing or designated donor/permit parking. Visitors are strongly advised to check the official BGSU Athletics or Parking Services schedule prior to arrival. If using mobile pay apps like ParkMobile, make sure to enter the correct zone number posted on on-site signage immediately upon parking to prevent ticketing. For evening winter events, plan to arrive 20 to 30 minutes ahead of puck drop to secure a spot close to the arena entrances.
