Facility Overview
The McDade Lot is an open-air surface parking facility situated at 226 5th Avenue in Youngstown, Ohio. Positioned directly along the vital Fifth Avenue corridor that bridges the central business district and higher-education grounds, this parking destination offers straightforward, accessible vehicle accommodation. Due to its level surface layout without overhead canopy or multi-level ceiling decks, the lot provides unobstructed vertical headroom. This makes it an accommodating parking option not only for standard sedans, compacts, and crossovers, but also for lifted pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, passenger vans, and work vehicles that often exceed the vertical height clearances of conventional parking garages.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Strategically positioned near the southwestern boundary of the Youngstown State University (YSU) campus, the McDade Lot serves as a practical gateway to major educational, sporting, and entertainment venues across Youngstown:
- Youngstown State University: Immediate proximity to university academic halls, Kilcawley Center, and student housing, reachable within a 5 to 10-minute walk.
- YSU Athletics Venues: Convenient for fans walking to Stambaugh Stadium (home of Penguins football) and the Beeghly Center (home of Penguins basketball and volleyball), located under 15 minutes north on foot.
- Downtown Youngstown & Federal Street: A brief 5 to 8-minute stroll south leads directly to the heart of downtown\'s dining and nightlife district, including popular spots like The Federal, Bistro 1907, Avalon Downtown Pizzeria, and local brewpubs.
- Arts & Entertainment: Within 0.7 to 1 mile of the DeYor Performing Arts Center, Powers Auditorium, and the Covelli Centre arena for regional concerts and hockey events.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Ingress and egress to the McDade Lot are straightforward via Fifth Avenue (State Route 193), one of the city\'s key north-south arterials. The lot\'s location provides rapid dispersal following large events, avoiding the heavy gridlock often experienced immediately adjacent to the stadium or arena gates. Drivers benefit from quick connections to major regional arteries, including Interstate 680, US Route 422, and the Himrod Avenue Expressway. Public transit users are well connected via the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), with multiple local bus routes traversing Fifth Avenue and the nearby WRTA Federal Station multimodal hub located just south in downtown Youngstown.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Uncovered, open-air surface parking layout
- Unrestricted vehicle overhead clearance accommodating tall vehicles and roof racks
- Direct street access off Fifth Avenue with clear visibility
- Pedestrian-friendly sidewalks leading into campus and downtown thoroughfares
- Convenient positioning adjacent to collegiate and commercial destinations
Ideal For
- Youngstown State University students, faculty, and daily campus commuters
- Spectators attending YSU Penguins football games at Stambaugh Stadium
- Patrons visiting local businesses, government offices, and eateries along West Federal Street
- Eventgoers heading to regional performances at downtown concert halls and community venues
Visitor & Driver Tips
When planning to park at the McDade Lot, take note of on-site posted signage detailing operational policies, payment instructions, or permit requirements, as regulations may adjust during major campus events and football game days. Peak congestion typically occurs on weekday mornings during university semesters and on weekend game days, so arriving 20 to 30 minutes ahead of scheduled kickoffs or campus appointments is highly recommended. As with any open city lot, ensure doors are locked and all personal belongings and electronics are kept out of view.
