Premium prices sought for parking during Super Bowl

Fans who come to downtown Indianapolis on Super Bowl Sunday had better be prepared to pay some big prices to park during the big game.

Some parking spaces being offered online will cost $99 and up on game day, WTHR-TV reports.

Roughly two dozen parking companies are already selling spaces in garages and lots online, and prices are far above normal.

A space near the City Market that normally goes for $6 will cost $99 on Feb. 5. Prices currently range from $59 to $399, according to the ParkWhiz website, which is handling reservations and payments.

Scott Gould of Denison Parking says the week of Super Bowl activities could be worth $1 million in parking fees. Denison has about 10,000 spaces available.

"It is probably going to be the best day in the parking business," Gould said.

Just a few blocks from the stadium, PanAm Plaza is charging $129, neighboring Union Station is charging $99 and a downtown garage $59.

WTHR says the variation in prices depends on the distance from the stadium, the vehicles the lot or garage can accommodate and whether they allow tailgating. Some $399 spots, the most expensive advertised, are the furthest away, a 20-minute walk to the game. The TWAY company hopes to appeal to fans with big RVs who want to party.

"They can tailgate, feel like they are not going to get harmed, we are watching while they are at the game. They know they are being taken care of," said owner Peter Hanson.

Fans headed to the game or other Super Bowl events have other options. The Super Bowl Host Committee has shuttle buses running from park-and-ride locations. Parking passes will also be available from the NFL at Click and Park.com And fans can ride IndyGo buses for free during Super Bowl weekend.

But LaTanna Davis told WTHR she was willing to pay a premium price to park downtown during the Super Bowl.

"It's better than searching all over for somewhere to park," she said.