The West Parking Lot (also known as the West Economy Lot) is an open-air surface parking facility located on the Kennesaw State University (KSU) campus at 3481 Campus Loop Rd. Shared with the First United Lutheran Church, this lot offers a convenient parking option for university students, commuters, and visitors accessing the western edge of the campus.
Overview & Suitability
This flat, open-air lot is ideal for standard passenger vehicles, SUVs, and larger trucks. Since it is not a multi-level deck, it is highly suitable for taller commuter vehicles and can even accommodate chartered buses for campus events (with a dedicated bus idling area at the rear of the lot). It serves primarily as a commuter lot for students holding a valid KSU parking permit, but also acts as event overflow.
Access, Dimensions & Clearance
Directly accessible from Campus Loop Road, the lot features wide entry points and is easy to navigate. Because it is a surface lot, there are no height clearance restrictions, making it an excellent alternative to the nearby West Parking Deck, which has a 7-foot height limit.
Parking Rates, Tariffs & Booking
Parking is managed by KSU Parking and Transportation.
- Permit Parking: Commuter permits for the West economy areas cost approximately $110 per semester ($220 annually). No physical hangtags are used, as enforcement is handled via digital License Plate Recognition (LPR).
- Visitor Parking: Unregistered visitors must pay via the ParkMobile app or use nearby pay-by-plate kiosks. Visitor rates are $3.00 per hour, up to a daily maximum of $12.00.
- Flex Parking: Standard permit holders can park in commuter spaces during Flex Parking hours (Monday–Thursday 5:00 PM–7:00 AM, and Friday 5:00 PM to Monday 7:00 AM).
Security & Amenities
The lot is patrolled 24/7 by the Kennesaw State University Police Department, featuring emergency call boxes and night-time lighting for safety. It is directly connected to KSU's complimentary transit network, the Big Owl Bus, which stops along Campus Loop Road to ferry passengers throughout the campus.
Strategic Alternative
This lot serves as a highly practical, less congested alternative to the heavily utilized central campus decks. It provides convenient access to the KSU Arboretum, the Social Sciences building, and nearby performing arts venues.