July 27, 2007
Football game day parking has realized a change in the availability of a parking area previously used by some tailgate fans. This is a University matter that athletics personnel closely monitored for some time, during which new options were found.
Vanderbilt has been preparing to transition into a unique “Residential College” system for several years, investing many resources into this innovative system that will make the University greater in many ways. This system requires all students to live on campus, thus a need for more full-time parking space.
The grass area at the extreme southeast corner of the Natchez Trace parking lots will be dedicated to this worthy endeavor, although those involved with football game operations realize some parking places and a nice tailgate area will be lost. No one would suggest 245 parking places for six to eight football game days would trump students’ daily needs.
Our game operations personnel have identified additional parking to compensate for this loss of space. Approximately 800 new game day parking spots have been secured at the Terrace Place parking deck, located just east of the Baker Building on 21st Avenue South.
This would entail a pleasant 10 minute walk though our beautiful campus.
We also have about 300 more spaces at the Wesley Place Garage, just across 21st Avenue South from the Vanderbilt Library. Parking at both the Terrace Place and Wesley Place Garages is $5. A campus map is available on www.vanderbilt.edu.
Athletics staff members are investigating other potential tailgate areas and should any become available, that news will appear on vucommodores.com.
Parking for National Commodore Club members at or above the rank of Ensign ($500) is not affected. Also, the marketing staff reports that not all Vandyville tents have been taken; they can be rented for $600 a year, a location that puts you in the middle of the action.
Finally, most Nashvillians realize that Vanderbilt does not make parking decisions for its neighbors, such as nearby Centennial Park or the Harris-Hillman School.
Parking at most major college football sites is a major challenge and it is no different at Vanderbilt. Our marketing and game operations personnel are always looking for ways to make the game experience a good one for all fans. We hope you will have a great time on our campus this fall.
