San Diego State University hosts a variety of events in their two designated spaces, Viejas Arena and Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater.
While the prime locations create a sense of community and provide activities for students and San Diego residents alike, the events hosted there often create parking congestion.
One of the main grievances students have is the limited parking, which interferes with their classes.
Alyjandra Greene
“Everyone has a schedule and a routine,” SDSU student Alyjandra Greene said. “There have been multiple instances where I leave my apartment at the same time I always do, to park in the same place I always park, and when I pull up, I’m told that there is an event and I can’t park there.”
Many students have class during event times and still need a way to access their classes. Some students have found that the parking closures have even caused them to be late to a class.
Alysse Dodge
“I have been late to a few classes and events because I did not plan to have to park and walk so far. This process adds up to 20 minutes,” Alysse Dodge, an SDSU student remarked.
Even if students are occasionally allowed to park in the lots reserved for events, they have to wait in a long line of eventgoers who are also trying to park. After that, students still have to speak to the parking attendants, flash their student parking pass, and still find parking.
Andrew Breitenbach
“I wish there were separate lanes or entrances for students in these situations,” student Andrew Breitenbach said.
Although there are other lots available for students, most of them are out of the way and quickly become overcrowded. This causes students to have to scramble for parking between the few allowed lots. “I often rush from one place to the next, so I do not always have those 20 minutes to give,” Dodge said.
Events happen often on the SDSU campus and some students feel that there is not adequate notice given on parking closures. SDSU posts signs outside of the parking lots noting that the lot is reserved for event parking only. Many students feel this is not enough.
Charlotte Wiseman
“I never know lots are closed until I get to it and there’s a little sign out front,” SDSU student Charlotte Wiseman stated.
SDSU parking and transportation services says that students can sign up for parking alerts.
“These structures were developed with the intention of supporting student, employee, and event parking,” said Director of Parking and Transportation Services at SDSU JD Weidman. “Those interested in receiving advanced notice for parking lot closures can sign up for closure alerts online.” Still, some students feel that the signage does not provide enough time to plan their commute around it.
“I’ve never once received an email, text or SDSU safe announcement about parking issues,” Greene said. “The only time I know there are event parking issues when I’m already pulling up to campus and have to change plans to be able to make it to class on time.”
Some students feel that SDSU should prioritize student parking needs over the needs of event goers. With students already having to pay for parking passes for the semester, they feel that they should get first pick of parking. “The parking permits are expensive, in my opinion. Also, classes should be prioritized over events,” Dodge stated.
SDSU Parking and Transportation Services has not moved towards any new developments to solve the issues, but they do recommend that students utilize public transportation.
“PATS offers daily-choice parking for those with limited on-campus schedules, and we encourage the use of public transportation, carpools, vanpools, and active transportation (bike, scooters, skating, and/or walking) for trips to campus,” Weidman said.
“I just don’t think parking interfering with education is the right call,” Greene added.