Facility Overview
Lot 9 - East Stadium is an open-air surface parking facility situated on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, positioned immediately adjacent to the east side of Rice-Eccles Stadium along South Campus Drive. Designed primarily to accommodate the massive vehicular volume of collegiate athletics, campus events, and university visitors, this expansive paved lot offers seamless drive-in access without vertical clearance limitations. Because it is completely open to the sky, standard passenger sedans, full-size SUVs, extended-bed pickup trucks, and high-roof passenger or utility vans can navigate the wide thoroughfares and standard stalls with complete ease.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Boasting one of the most prominent event locations in the Salt Lake Valley, Lot 9 is the primary parking destination for events at Rice-Eccles Stadium, home of the Utah Utes football team and host to major national concert tours, Supercross, and international athletic ceremonies. In addition to the stadium, the lot sits within short walking distance of numerous core University of Utah points of interest, including the Huntsman Center arena (approximately 7 to 10 minutes east), the Jon M. Huntsman Center sports complex, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA), and the Campus Store. Visitors heading down into the vibrant 1300 East / 200 South commercial and dining district can reach neighborhood cafes, pizzerias, and local eateries in less than a 10-minute stroll.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Vehicular ingress and egress is accessible via South Campus Drive and 500 South, offering direct east-west connections toward downtown Salt Lake City and Interstate 15 via 400 South / 500 South. During non-event periods, circulation is smooth and intuitive with clearly painted drive lanes and marked directional arrows. Furthermore, transit connectivity is virtually unmatched: the UTA TRAX Red Line Stadium Station sits directly adjacent to the stadium footprint just steps away, allowing drivers to park or meet passengers transitioning across the broader Salt Lake regional rail network. The area is also well-served by several Utah Transit Authority (UTA) bus routes along South Campus Drive and Wasatch Drive.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Expansive open-air surface parking layout with clear sightlines and wide drive lanes.
- Unrestricted vertical clearance, accommodating high-profile trucks, SUVs, and vans.
- Direct walking access to Rice-Eccles Stadium gates and stadium concourses.
- Steps away from the UTA TRAX Red Line Stadium Station for regional light-rail transit.
- Designated ADA accessible parking spaces located conveniently near walkways.
- Modern digital payment systems via the University of Utah Commuter Services portal and ParkMobile.
- Well-illuminated premises with dedicated stadium security and campus police patrols during events.
Ideal For
- Fans attending Utah Utes football games, gymnastics meets, and athletics events.
- Concertgoers visiting Rice-Eccles Stadium for stadium-scale music tours and festivals.
- Prospective students, parents, and university visitors needing short-term campus parking.
- Commuters taking advantage of park-and-ride options linked directly to UTA TRAX light rail.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Drivers should keep in mind that university parking regulations are actively enforced by University of Utah Commuter Services on weekdays. Outside of standard hours or during major football game days, Lot 9 often converts strictly to reserved donor or special-event permit parking. If you are attending a game or large-scale concert, plan to arrive at least 60 to 90 minutes before kickoff or showtime to avoid traffic bottlenecks on South Campus Drive. Utilizing the ParkMobile app or purchasing an event parking voucher in advance ensures a hassle-free parking experience.
