Facility Overview
The SHSU Coliseum Parking Garage is a modern multi-level parking structure located at 820 Bowers Boulevard on the southern edge of the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) campus in Huntsville, Texas. Strategically positioned adjacent to the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum, this facility provides structured, covered parking designed to accommodate university staff, students, and visitors attending major collegiate sports, graduation ceremonies, and community events. Standard sedans, crossover vehicles, and standard pickup trucks fit comfortably within the garage bays. However, drivers of lifted 4x4 trucks, oversized commercial vans, and roof-rack-equipped vehicles must observe the posted vehicle height clearance bars (typically 7 feet 0 inches) at the garage entrances.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
This parking structure serves as the premier gateway to Sam Houston State University athletic venues and southern campus facilities. Key destinations within easy walking distance include:
- Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum: Directly adjacent (under 2 minutes on foot), home to SHSU Bearkats basketball, volleyball, and university commencement exercises.
- Bowers Stadium: Located directly across Bowers Boulevard (less than a 3-minute walk), hosting SHSU Bearkat football games, track meets, and university celebrations.
- Don Sanders Stadium & Softballs Complex: Located approximately 5 to 7 minutes on foot, catering to collegiate baseball and softball enthusiasts.
- Ron Mafrige Field House: Sited next to the football stadium, housing athletic training facilities and administrative offices.
- SHSU South Campus Academic Buildings: Conveniently located within a 5 to 10-minute stroll to southern lecture halls, agricultural facilities, and student services.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Access to the garage is straightforward via Bowers Boulevard, a principal east-west campus corridor that links directly to Sycamore Avenue and Sam Houston Avenue (TX-75). Drivers traveling regionally can access the facility smoothly from Interstate 45 via Exit 114 (passing through Financial Avenue or Montgomery Road). Following major athletic events or graduation sessions, traffic control personnel frequently manage traffic flows along Bowers Blvd to prioritize safe egress. SHSU Bearkat Shuttle buses serve nearby perimeter transit stops, linking parkers seamlessly to northern academic halls, the Lowman Student Center, and the Newton Gresham Library.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Multi-level covered parking safeguarding vehicles from Texas heat and severe weather.
- Designated ADA accessible parking stalls conveniently positioned near stairwells and elevator cores.
- High-illumination LED lighting and emergency call-box towers integrated on each deck.
- Pay-by-plate digital parking kiosks and mobile payment support via ParkMobile.
- Well-maintained pedestrian elevators and clearly marked pedestrian exit pathways.
Ideal For
- Fans attending SHSU Bearkats football, basketball, and baseball games.
- Families and guests attending university commencement ceremonies and special events.
- Prospective students and campus visitors touring the southern academic complex.
- Commuter students and faculty seeking reliable covered parking near athletic hubs.
Visitor & Driver Tips
- Event Day Management: Parking regulations and rates frequently adjust during sellout football games and commencement ceremonies; arrive at least 45 minutes prior to start times.
- Payment Preparation: Ensure you have the ParkMobile smartphone app installed and note your license plate number before leaving your vehicle to streamline payment.
- Clearance Awareness: If driving an oversized or lifted pickup truck, check the overhead clearance markers at the portal or utilize adjacent open-air surface lots if height restrictions pose an issue.
