Facility Overview
Lot 9 is an expansive open-air campus parking facility located at 28000 Marguerite Parkway within the scenic Saddleback College campus in Mission Viejo, California. Designed to support the high daily volume of college students, faculty, athletic visitors, and community members, Lot 9 features an intuitive, well-graded surface layout with clearly delineated lanes and generous standard-width stalls. Because it is a surface-level parking lot without overhead decks or low canopies, Lot 9 provides unobstructed vertical clearance. This makes it completely accessible for standard passenger sedans, large SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, and high-roof conversion vans without height restrictions.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated in the heart of South Orange County, Lot 9 serves as a prime parking staging ground for campus academic buildings, sports events, and cultural gatherings. Prominent destinations within walking distance or a short drive include:
- Saddleback College Stadium & Athletic Complex: Located steps from the lot, making it the premier parking zone for Gaucho football games, track-and-field meets, soccer tournaments, and high school athletic championships.
- McKinney Theatre & Fine Arts Complex: A brief 5-minute walk away, hosting student theater productions, live orchestra recitals, and visiting guest performances.
- Saddleback College Student Center & Bookstore: Within easy walking distance (3 to 6 minutes) for campus administration, student dining, and student services.
- The Shops at Mission Viejo: Located approximately 1.5 miles north, providing premier retail, Nordstrom, Macy\'s, and upscale dining options.
- Mission Hospital & Providence Health Network: Situated less than 2 miles north along Marguerite Parkway.
- Lake Mission Viejo: A quick 10-minute drive northeast, offering boating, paddleboarding, and scenic lakeside parks.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Lot 9 is accessed directly from Marguerite Parkway via College Drive East or Medical Center Drive. Driving to the facility is straightforward due to direct proximity to Interstate 5 (San Diego Freeway), accessible via the Avery Parkway or Crown Valley Parkway exits. Internal campus circulatory roads provide smooth traffic dispersal, even during the peak morning and late-afternoon class changes. For public transit users, Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) bus routes 82 and 85 stop directly at the Saddleback College transit exchange on campus, connecting passengers quickly to the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink commuter rail station just two miles southwest.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Spacious, surface-level outdoor parking with wide drive aisles and smooth navigation.
- No overhead height restrictions, welcoming oversized trucks, work vans, and taller vehicles.
- Designated accessible parking stalls compliant with ADA regulations, positioned close to accessible campus pathways.
- Digital automated pay kiosks accepting major credit and debit cards, with mobile daily permit payment available through campus parking portals.
- Bright evening floodlighting across driving lanes and pedestrian walkways for nighttime safety.
- Monitored by South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) Campus Police, including routine safety patrols and emergency call boxes.
Ideal For
- Students, professors, and academic staff attending daily lectures and laboratory sessions.
- Sports fans, athletes, and visiting teams attending games at Saddleback College Stadium and the athletics complex.
- Patrons attending performances at the McKinney Theatre or campus cultural events.
- Community members participating in adult education classes and campus workshops.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Parking regulations on campus are strictly enforced Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Friday until 5:00 PM. Visitors must purchase a daily parking permit via the automated on-site machines or the official digital parking app prior to leaving their vehicle unattended. High-volume periods occur on weekday mornings between 8:30 AM and 11:30 AM; arriving 15 to 20 minutes before class starts ensures finding a convenient stall. For major stadium sporting events or commencement ceremonies, enter early via Marguerite Parkway to bypass queueing along College Drive.