Arena Parking Challenge

[dangerboy]

City Council and staff to conduct walking challenge
from Downtown parking to Sprint Center
Tuesday, October 9, 12:00 noon

WHAT:  Members of the City Council and their staffs will conduct a walking challenge in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri on Tuesday, October 9 at 12:00 noon to highlight the availability and convenience of Downtown parking to the Sprint Center.  The walkers will begin from the places listed below and conclude their walk at 13th and Grand in front of the Sprint Center.  All of the walkers are expected to reach 13th and Grand within ten minutes where a news conference will be conducted.

12th and Oak - city's parking garage
Along Walnut between 13th and 14th - Block 126 - KC Live! garage
Along Walnut between 13th and 14th - Block 125 - H&R Block garage
1201 Walnut - Copaken Town Pavilion garage
1130 McGee - Studio restaurant and lounge
1526 Walnut - JP's Wine bar
12th and Grand - MAX stop

WHEN: Tuesday, October 9, 12:00 noon

WHERE: Southeast corner of 13th and Grand

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:  Media members are encouraged to meet the walkers at their departure from parking or meet the group at 13th and Grand.

Contact Person:
Lisa Minardi
Aide to Councilman Ed Ford
816-513-1601

[scooterj]

What do Studio and JP's [sic] Wine Bar have to do with parking?

[dangerboy]

What do Studio and JP's [sic] Wine Bar have to do with parking?

Perhaps it's about the idea of going Downtown early to beat the traffic, have some food or drink, and then walk over to the arena?

[DaveKCMO]

this should be priceless. i will be there with my camera!

[chrizow]

it's supposed to take them 10 minutes to walk 2-3 blocks?! 

[scooterj]

it's supposed to take them 10 minutes to walk 2-3 blocks?!   :lol:

Well, maybe for the slowest common denominator. 

I walk the 7 blocks to work in about 10 minutes.  Imagine all the parking *I* have access to within a 10 minute walk of the Sprint Center.

[KCMax]

it's supposed to take them 10 minutes to walk 2-3 blocks?! 

John Sharp is not a thin man.

[dangerboy]

The have to walk slow for Dave Helling to keep up.

[DaveKCMO]

i only saw ed ford and some city people... no other councilmembers?

[KCPowercat]

i did my own "challenge" just now.  quality hill playhouse garage at 10 and central to the sprint center.  walked slowly and obeyed all walk signals.  11 minutes total.. That is about the furthest garage they recommend.  people are going to have to try really hard (ie be really ignorant) and arrive really late to not find parking. 

one thing we still need is more street level maps for pedestrians.  that was to be included in the wayfinding program, what happened?

[bobbyhawks]

I did see a TON of parking identifiers stowed at the West Bottoms Garage north of Kemper Arena during the BBQ.  They were just simple, throw them out when there is an event, signs, but should be very visible.  All stated "Parking.  X blocks to Sprint Center" or something to that effect.  I saw mostly 2 through 5 signs.  These should be nice for people who are not familiar with the area, though some still may be a little lost as to which direction they must go.  They can always follow the signs at other garages and watch the numbers go down... not sure if people are generally that smart.

[eliphar17]

I read somewhere that the CID workers will be out wearing their yellow garb to help visitors... is there any chance they will be taking volunteers for arena events to help direct people to parking and attractions? (I'm asking not for myself, but for the other forumers who live downtown and/or want to help people get a good impression.)

[kcmetro]

The Sprint Center website posted this map so people would know where to park.

http://www.sprintcenter.com/parking.php

[chrizow]

any bets on when the first letter to the Star complaining about parking will be published? 

i hope it's someone who gets their car towed for parking in the court of appeals parking lot.

[dangerboy]

any bets on when the first letter to the Star complaining about parking will be published? 

This will be fun.  I'm tempted to stake out a window seat at Willies and watch the hilarity ensue.

[kard]

The Sprint Center website posted this map so people would know where to park.

"I'm not parking in the Power and Light garage--it looks so SMALL on the map..."

[KC0KEK]

Are there any lots or garages that should be avoided (e.g., because they charge a lot more than the competition or because they have limited numbers of entry and exit points)?

[DaveKCMO]

Are there any lots or garages that should be avoided (e.g., because they charge a lot more than the competition or because they have limited numbers of entry and exit points)?

out of guaranteed frustration, i would avoid anything in the loop (especially the H&R block garage). on-street parking in the crossroads is your best bet for a quick getaway.

[KCPowercat]

walking by the town pavilion garage last night i was shocked they had $5 sprint center parking posted.  that is a great deal.

[lock+load]

walking by the town pavilion garage last night i was shocked they had $5 sprint center parking posted.  that is a great deal.

I think that was for last night only.  The Star has reported it will be $10 on event nights.