Facility Overview

The Oregon Convention Center Parking Garage, with a prime entrance situated at 17 NE 1st Ave in Portland's bustling Lloyd District, provides premier on-site underground parking beneath the state's largest convention and exhibition facility. Designed to handle significant visitor traffic, this subterranean facility features 800 parking stalls distributed across two well-illuminated levels: Parking Level 1 (P1) and Parking Level 2 (P2). The garage offers distinct clearance profiles between levels, making vehicle awareness essential. The 17 NE 1st Ave portal delivers immediate entry to Level P2, which boasts an unusually generous vertical clearance of 9 feet 0 inches (9'0"), easily accommodating tall passenger vans, full-size SUVs with roof boxes, commercial trade display utility vehicles, and lifted pickup trucks. In contrast, the secondary entrance off NE Lloyd Boulevard accesses Level P1 with a standard 7-foot-0-inch (7'0") clearance limit. While high-roof passenger vehicles fit comfortably on P2, the facility strictly prohibits recreational vehicles (RVs), fifth-wheel campers, and dual-axle trailers.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned at the gateway to Portland's Central Eastside and adjacent to the Willamette River, this facility is directly connected to the Oregon Convention Center's exhibition halls, grand ballrooms, and meeting spaces via integrated passenger elevators and stairwells. Beyond convention activities, the garage serves as an exceptional hub for major Portland sports and entertainment. The Rose Quarter entertainment complex—home to the Moda Center (Portland Trail Blazers NBA arena) and the historic Veterans Memorial Coliseum—is located roughly 0.4 miles away, an easy 8- to 10-minute walk along NE Multnomah Street. Guests staying across the plaza at the Hyatt Regency Portland, Hotel Eastlund, or the Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown benefit from its proximity. In addition, the Steel Bridge pedestrian crossing is just a 5-minute stroll westward, providing rapid access across the river to Portland's Old Town Chinatown, the Waterfront Park Trail, and downtown Portland cultural venues.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Reaching the facility is straightforward thanks to its proximity to regional freeway arteries. Drivers arriving via Interstate 5 North can exit at Exit 302A (Rose Quarter/City Center) and navigate south along NE 1st Avenue or NE MLK Jr. Boulevard, while eastbound and westbound motorists traveling on Interstate 84 take Exit 1 (Lloyd Boulevard). Ingress from 1st Avenue offers wide turning radiuses that keep incoming traffic moving steadily off city arterials. For multimodal commuters, transit connectivity is unmatched: the TriMet MAX Light Rail Convention Center Station sits right at street level along NE Holladay Street, serviced by the Blue, Green, and Red lines, offering direct rail connections to Portland International Airport (PDX) in approximately 30 minutes. The Portland Streetcar A-Loop and B-Loop also stop right at the venue along NE MLK Jr. Boulevard and NE Grand Avenue, making local transit into the Pearl District, South Waterfront, and Central Eastside effortless.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

The parking garage provides modern infrastructure and guest convenience features tailored for high-volume public events:

• Covered Underground Parking: Fully sheltered 800-stall facility that keeps vehicles protected from Pacific Northwest rain and weather elements.
• Dual Height Profiles: 9-foot ceiling clearance on Level P2 (entered via 17 NE 1st Ave) and 7-foot clearance on Level P1.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Multiple dedicated Level 2 EV charging stations marked by distinctive green wall graphics, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Cashless Payment System: Contactless drive-through exit terminals and entry gates accepting major credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
• Accessible ADA Stalls: Plentiful ADA-designated spaces placed adjacent to facility elevator lobbies and automatic sliding doors.
• Security & Safety: Comprehensive 24/7 closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, high-lumen LED lighting throughout, emergency call boxes, and on-site building security patrols.
• Dedicated Alternative Transport Stalls: Designated indoor motorcycle parking bays and secure bicycle parking facilities.

Ideal For

• Convention Attendees & Exhibitors: Seamless elevator access directly into trade shows, expos, conferences, and ballroom banquets without venturing out into the rain.
• Moda Center & Rose Quarter Eventgoers: A cost-effective, easily accessible alternative for Portland Trail Blazers basketball games, ice hockey, and premier stadium concerts.
• District Hotel Guests: Reliable daily parking for visitors staying at surrounding hotels in the Lloyd District.
• Commuters & Transit Switchers: Drivers connecting with TriMet MAX light rail or Portland Streetcar lines heading into downtown Portland or Beaverton.

Visitor & Driver Tips

The garage operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, opening daily at 6:00 AM. During major conventions or sold-out Moda Center concerts, the facility can hit maximum occupancy; arriving 45 to 60 minutes before scheduled event times is strongly advised. Be aware that dynamic event pricing ranging from $15 to $25 is instituted during peak arena and convention events. The facility operates as a completely cashless venue at the gates, so ensure you have a contactless device or credit card ready upon arrival. Finally, please note that overnight vehicle storage is strictly prohibited; all parked cars must exit after events conclude at the end of each operational day.