BMO Harris Bank Center officials have introduced a new parking fee structure, charging a premium for event parking close to the arena and introducing a fee at what had been a free lot a block south near the Webbs Norman Center.
Rockford Area Venues and Entertainment Authority General Manager Gordon Kaye said officials are trying to balance multiple demands. The arena is being asked to generate more revenue, operate efficiently and reduce public operating support. But customers demand affordable, clean and safe parking.
“What we want to provide is ample parking that meets any sort of request,” Kaye said. “If you want free parking, there is free parking downtown, you just have to walk a couple blocks for it.
“If you want premium parking … we have that as well. But we feel it’s reasonable to charge a premium for that parking. If you want to be a block away you can park on State Street and at the Webbs Norman building and we are charging a reasonable $5 fee. So we feel we have a parking spot that meets any criteria.”
The two closest parking decks to the arena have been designated as premium lots and are $7 on IceHogs game nights. Two adjacent lots are $5. Season ticket holders park in premium lots for $4. Discounts will soon be available for those who prepay.
For other events, parking will vary depending on the type of event from $5 for all lots at this weekend’s Extraordinary Women Conference to $12 at the premium lots for a big-time concert.
I dislike intensely that our MetroCentre has been taken over by Bank of Montreal Harris Bank. I live in Rockford precisely because it is not Chicago or its suburbs. This is just the beginning of Chicago coming.
No One wants to go their and see a show … with holding cells in the basement of the building, it being like going to the police station to see a concert. Now they are trying to get you to pay more for parking knowing if you park anywhere else downtown you are susceptible to being mugged and robbed in the free parking lots. No way, am I going anywhere near there. I would rather go to Chicago’s Vic … or Milwaukee … and or Madison.
Why not just keep it at a set amount instead. For people who don’t carry a steep amount of cash with them, may not know of the difference in price for the event parking. One set amount, they will.
Sandra,
I understand what you are saying but I think people coming down to the MetroCentre for an event know they will have to pay something for parking and it’s a set amount for IceHogs games – accounting for 38 events a year. I think we can handle it without getting confused. Do you really think the parking fees are “steep?” I have come to expect to pay for parking at events like these. It’s generally accepted when you are going to attend a premium event you are going to have to pay for parking. If folks don’t want to pay, they can walk a few blocks.
David – Your comment is nonsense. Nearly 175,000 fans attended IceHogs games alone last season . And of course Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison provide you with a mugging-proof t-shirt at the city limit so that isn’t a fair comparison.
Janie,
Maintaining a Rockford identity is important, but sponsorships like that of BMO Harris Bank are helpful to keep our civic and cultural institutions going. BMO has bought naming rights, it hasn’t taken over. The RAVE Authority is appointed by Mayor Morrissey and Chairman Christiansen.
Jeff,
How about we just say a flat rate of $8 dollars be enough and leave it at that.