Billy Joel & Sting Rice-Eccles Stadium Parking Guide: Salt Lake City 2026 (Cancelled)
Essential logistics guide for Billy Joel & Sting at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Provides critical details on the May 22 concert cancellation, UTA TRAX transit options, and strategic parking lot tips to avoid University of Utah traffic.
May 11, 2026
7 min read
2,343 words
Billy Joel & Sting Salt Lake City Parking Guide: Rice-Eccles Stadium (Event Cancelled)
CRITICAL UPDATE: The May 22 Billy Joel & Sting concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium is officially CANCELLED due to Billy Joel's NPH diagnosis, and refunds are automatic. But if you are heading to the University of Utah campus for another major stadium event soon, do not get trapped. Rice-Eccles traffic choke points are legendary—including a mandatory 1-hour street shutdown that literally locks cars inside premium lots. Here is exactly how to park smart, escape fast, or ride the TRAX for free.
Is the Billy Joel Concert in Salt Lake City Cancelled?
Yes. The Billy Joel & Sting concert scheduled for May 22, 2026, at Rice-Eccles Stadium has been officially cancelled due to Billy Joel's recent NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus) diagnosis.
If you bought tickets through Ticketmaster or the venue directly, you do not need to do anything. Refunds are being issued automatically to your original method of payment and typically process within 14 to 21 days. If you purchased tickets on the secondary market through sites like StubHub, SeatGeek, or VividSeats, those platforms will also automatically refund your purchase or offer a credit, depending on your account settings.
Parking is a different story. If you bought an official premium parking pass bundled with your Ticketmaster order, that is refunded automatically. However, if you used a third-party app to book secure parking near Rice-Eccles Stadium, you must log into that specific app and cancel your reservation manually before the start time to trigger a refund. Do not assume third-party parking platforms know the event was called off.
How Much is Parking at Rice-Eccles Stadium? (Official Lots vs. Resale)
Official parking at Rice-Eccles Stadium ranges from $10 in general campus lots up to $100 for VIP prime spaces, but price does not always equal convenience. The stadium is nestled right against the steep foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. This creates a geographic nightmare for traffic because everyone is forced to funnel out to the West or South when the event ends.
If you are buying Advance Official Premium Lots (Lots 5, 8, 40) through Ticketmaster, expect to pay $55 to $75. The highly coveted Prime Lot 2 regularly hits $100.
If you want cheap official parking, you want the General Campus Lots (Lots 39, 44, 32). These cost between $10 and $20 and you pay on-site using cash or the TEZPARK mobile app. On the secondary resale market, parking passes wildly fluctuate from $50 to $266+, averaging around $54 for standard events.
How long does it take to leave Rice-Eccles stadium parking lots?
It takes anywhere from 5 minutes to over 2 hours to exit the immediate stadium vicinity, entirely depending on which lot you choose. The closest lots are actually the worst offenders.
WARNING: Lot 1 (West Stadium Lot) is a trap. It looks incredible on paper. It is cheap ($10) and right across the street (0.1 miles). But Salt Lake City Police enact a mandatory street closure on 500 South for exactly 1 hour immediately following major events to allow 50,000+ pedestrians to safely exit. If you park in Lot 1, your car is blocked in. You literally cannot move your vehicle until the street reopens.
The Pro Tip: Park in Lot 33 (Student Services - 155 S 1452 E). It costs ~$20 per event. Yes, it is a 17-minute walk uphill to the stadium, but it carries a post-event "ExitScore" of 9.8/10. Because it sits further west and north of the main pedestrian crush, it offers the absolute fastest escape route if you are heading East or getting onto major surface streets post-concert.
Rice-Eccles Stadium Parking Options Comparison
| Parking Option | Price | Distance to Stadium | The Verdict (Pros & Cons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 33 (Student Services) | ~$20/event | 17 min walk | Pros: Rated with an ExitScore of 9.8/10 for the fastest exit. Cons: Slightly longer walk compared to West side lots. |
| Lot 1 (West Stadium Lot) | $10/event | 0.1 miles (18 min walk to specific gates) | Pros: Very low official price, physically close. Cons: The Ultimate Trap. 500 South closes, trapping you for 1+ hours. |
| Lot 40 (Tailgate Lot / Guardsman) | $55 - $75 | 13 min walk | Pros: Official choice parking, prime tailgating area. Cons: High cost. Guardsman Way closes 3 hours before the event. |
| Yalecrest Neighborhood | Free | 0.5 miles (15-20 min walk) | Pros: Completely free, perfectly bypasses the 500 South bottleneck. Cons: Requires walking through residential side streets. |
| Ballpark Station Park & Ride | Free | 10-15 min train + 5 min walk | Pros: Avoids campus entirely. Train fare is free with your ticket. Cons: Up to a 60-minute wait to board trains after the event. |
| Lot 14 (Turpin Building) - ADA | Standard rate | Shuttle provided | Pros: 100 dedicated ADA stalls with a continuous accessible shuttle. Cons: First-come, first-served availability. |
Where is the Cheapest Place to Park Near Rice-Eccles Stadium?
The absolute cheapest parking near Rice-Eccles Stadium is $0, provided you are willing to walk a half-mile or leverage your event ticket for public transit. If you are hunting for the cheapest parking near Rice Eccles stadium, ignore the premium lots and look to the surrounding neighborhoods and campus fringes.
Free Street Parking: The Yalecrest Neighborhood (around 9th S and 15th E) is the local secret for free street parking near University of Utah stadium events. It is a 0.5-mile walk that takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The massive advantage here isn't just the price—it's the exit strategy. By parking south of the stadium, you completely bypass the gridlock on 500 South. You walk through a quiet, tree-lined residential area, get in your car, and drive away while everyone else is still waiting in the stadium concourse.
Avoid Retail Lots: Do not try to outsmart the system by parking in the local business lots along 400 South. The Office Depot and neighboring strip malls aggressively employ tow trucks that patrol the lots constantly during stadium events. If you leave your car there and walk toward the stadium, it will be towed instantly. Getting your car out of a Salt Lake City impound lot will cost you upwards of $300.
Metered Hacks: Look at President's Circle on the lower campus. It offers metered city parking for $3.50 per hour. Because Salt Lake City street meters are only enforced from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, if you park here for an evening concert, the parking becomes completely free after 6:00 PM.
Private Driveway Rentals: If you hate the stress of hunting for street parking but refuse to pay $100 for a VIP lot, renting a private driveway is the best middle ground. You can find parking for Billy Joel & Sting (or any future stadium tours) for around $20 by booking a local resident's spot. You get a guaranteed space, zero risk of getting towed, and you don't have to fight campus traffic.
Can I Use My Concert Ticket to Ride TRAX for Free?
Yes. Under the incredibly popular "Ticket As Fare" program, a valid concert or event ticket acts as a free transit pass for the entire day on UTA TRAX, FrontRunner, and local buses. You do not need to buy a train ticket; just show your digital or printed event ticket if a transit officer asks for proof of fare.
The UTA TRAX Red Line is the lifeline of the University of Utah. The Stadium Station (UTA TRAX) drops attendees off literally at the front gates of Rice-Eccles Stadium on the southwest corner. It is the most efficient way to access the venue without a car.
Park and ride locations for Rice-Eccles stadium
If you are looking for the optimal UTA TRAX Red Line schedule Rice Eccles strategy, utilize the free Park & Ride lots scattered across the valley.
The Ballpark Station Park & Ride (1300 S): This is the gold standard. Parking here is completely free. You park your car, hop on the Red Line, and enjoy a stress-free 10-15 minute train ride directly to the stadium doors. You avoid all campus driving, bypass all parking fees, and never touch stadium traffic. The only downside is the ride home. Expect highly crowded train platforms and up to a 60-minute wait to board a train after the final song ends.
The Hospital Hack: Instead of taking the train all the way up to the stadium, drive to the free Park & Ride lot located below the Hospital TRAX stop (further up the mountain on the campus). Take the train downhill one or two stops to the stadium. After the event, you walk out the north side of the stadium, get on the relatively empty train heading up the hill, get your car, and exit campus via the northern routes. You avoid the 500 South shutdown entirely.
Parking options available near Billy Joel & Sting.
Where is the Uber and Lyft Pickup for Rice-Eccles Stadium?
Rideshare at Rice-Eccles Stadium is a logistical headache if you don't know the exact rules. The venue treats Uber and Lyft entirely differently, and making the wrong choice will add a mile to your walking distance.
Do not use Uber if you want a close pickup. Lyft has secured an exclusive, official pick-up zone directly on 500 South, right near the stadium. If you order a Lyft, your driver is allowed past certain barricades to grab you close to the gates.
If you search for the uber drop off Rice-Eccles stadium, you will find out the hard way that Uber and all general rideshare vehicles are punished. They are pushed much further away from the venue and forced to use a designated zone near the S.J. Quinney College of Law on 1300 East/University Street.
Finding the lyft pickup zone Rice-Eccles stadium concert area is easy—just follow the signs on 500 South. But honestly, ordering any rideshare directly from the stadium immediately after an event is a recipe for massive surge pricing and 45-minute wait times.
The Rideshare Walk-Out Strategy: Do not call your car while standing at the stadium gates. Walk west to President's Circle or south toward East High School before you open your app. Once you are physically away from the geo-fenced surge zone and the traffic barricades, your driver can actually reach you, and your fare will drop significantly.
Rice-Eccles Stadium Bag Policy, ADA Parking & Tailgating
Knowing where to park University of Utah stadium events is only half the battle. Getting through the security gates efficiently and knowing the lot rules will save your night.
What is the bag policy for Rice-Eccles Stadium?
Rice-Eccles Stadium is a 100% cashless venue and enforces a very strict clear bag policy. You will be turned away at the gate if you bring a standard backpack, large purse, or opaque tote bag.
Rice Eccles clear bag policy 2025/2026 rules:
- You are allowed one clear plastic, vinyl, or mesh bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12".
- Alternatively, you can bring a standard 1-gallon clear Ziploc bag.
- Small clutch purses (no larger than 4.5" x 6.5") are allowed but are subject to search.
If you pack your items correctly, walk straight to the No-Bag Express Lanes at the main gates. You will bypass the massive security lines where people are arguing with staff about their oversized purses. If you bring a prohibited bag, you will have to walk all the way back to your car or pay to rent an on-site storage locker.
Does Rice-Eccles stadium have free ADA parking?
No, there is no free ADA parking on campus. Standard lot rates apply for all accessible parking, but the university does provide excellent logistical support.
If you need a Rice-Eccles stadium ADA parking map, direct your GPS to Lot 14 (Turpin Building). This lot features 100 dedicated ADA stalls. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and a valid state-issued ADA placard or license plate is required to enter.
Because Lot 14 is a distance from the gates, the venue operates a continuous, fully accessible shuttle service from the lot directly to the stadium. This ADA shuttle starts running 3.5 hours before the event and continues until the lots clear out afterward.
Can you tailgate at Rice-Eccles Stadium concerts?
Yes, tailgating is a massive part of the culture here, even for major concerts. The prime location for tailgating is Lot 40 (Guardsman Way).
However, you need to know exactly what time to arrive at Rice-Eccles stadium if you plan to park here. The north section of Guardsman Way physically closes 3 hours prior to event start times. If you have a pass for Lot 40, you must arrive extremely early, or you will hit police barricades and be forced to detour around the entire campus to get into your spot. Plan to arrive at least 4 hours early to set up your gear, fire up the grill, and avoid the road closures.
Gate Hacks: Entering the Stadium Fast
Even if you secure the best place to park for concerts at Rice-Eccles Stadium, you don't want to spend 45 minutes in a security line. Gate selection is crucial.
- If parking East (Lot 33, Lot 40): Walk to Gate L on the Southeast corner of 500 South. It is wide, has the highest concentration of ticket scanners, and historically moves the fastest.
- If parking North (Hospital, lower campus): Aim for Honda Gate G on the Northeast corner. The crowds from the TRAX station almost exclusively funnel into the West and South gates, leaving Honda Gate G remarkably empty right up until showtime.
Whether you are riding the TRAX for free or securing Billy Joel & Sting parking in a local driveway, the rule for Rice-Eccles remains the same: plan your exit before you arrive. Avoid Lot 1, leverage the Yalecrest neighborhood or Lot 33, and never order an Uber from 500 South.
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Find Parking for This EventFrequently Asked Questions About Billy Joel & Sting Rice-Eccles Stadium May 22 Salt Lake City, UT Parking
Is the Billy Joel & Sting concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium cancelled?
Yes, the Billy Joel & Sting concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium scheduled for May 22 is officially cancelled due to Billy Joel's NPH diagnosis. Refunds for tickets purchased through Ticketmaster or the venue will be processed automatically to your original payment method. If you booked third-party parking through apps like Prked or SpotHero, you must log in and manually cancel your reservation to trigger a refund.
How do I ride the UTA TRAX for free to Rice-Eccles Stadium with my concert ticket?
You can ride the UTA TRAX for free to Rice-Eccles Stadium simply by showing your valid concert or event ticket, which acts as a free transit pass for the entire day. This 'Ticket As Fare' program applies to all UTA TRAX, FrontRunner, and bus routes. Taking the Red Line straight to the Stadium Station is the most efficient way to completely bypass the notorious campus traffic choke points.
Where is the best place to park to avoid post-concert traffic at Rice-Eccles Stadium?
The best place to park to avoid post-concert traffic at Rice-Eccles Stadium is Lot 33 (Student Services at 155 S 1452 E) or in the Yalecrest Neighborhood street parking about 0.5 miles away. All lanes on 500 South close for exactly 1 hour immediately following major events to allow for pedestrian exit, trapping cars in adjacent lots like Lot 1. Lot 33 boasts an ExitScore of 9.8/10 for the fastest escape heading East.
Are clear bags required for the Billy Joel & Sting concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium?
Yes, clear bags are strictly required for entry to the Billy Joel & Sting concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium. You must use a clear plastic, vinyl, or mesh bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12", or a 1-gallon Ziploc bag. Packing your items in these approved bags allows you to use the No-Bag Express Lanes at the main gates for faster entry.
Where do I meet my Uber or Lyft after the concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium?
You will meet your Lyft at an exclusive pick-up zone right on 500 South, while Uber riders must walk further away to a designated zone on 1300 East/University Street. Because Lyft holds an exclusive partnership for the pick-up zone by the stadium, it is highly recommended to use Lyft over Uber to save yourself a longer walk after the event.
How much does it cost to park at the University of Utah for a stadium concert?
It costs between $10 for general campus lots and $100 for advance official Prime Lots (like Lot 2) to park at the University of Utah for a stadium concert. Secondary resale markets like Stubhub average around $54, while private driveway rentals on apps like Prked run about $20. Make sure to avoid local business lots on 400 South, as they aggressively tow non-customer vehicles during events.
Are there shuttles for disabled guests at Rice-Eccles Stadium?
Yes, there are dedicated accessible shuttles for disabled guests at Rice-Eccles Stadium originating from Lot 14 (the Turpin Building). This lot provides 100 dedicated ADA stalls and runs a continuous accessible shuttle starting 3.5 hours before the event. These spots operate on a first-come, first-served basis at standard lot rates, so arrive early and ensure your ADA placard is visible.
Where is the best place to park for the Billy Joel and Sting concert in Salt Lake City?
The best place to park for the Billy Joel and Sting concert in Salt Lake City depends on your budget, with Lot 33 offering a ~$20 fast-exit option and the Ballpark Station Park & Ride offering a free transit alternative. Be aware that the May 22 concert is officially cancelled. If you are attending a future event, consider taking the TRAX Red line to avoid the mandatory 1-hour street shutdown on 500 South post-event.
Can I prepay for parking at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the May 22 concert?
You can prepay for parking at Rice-Eccles Stadium using the TEZPARK app for general lots or Ticketmaster for premium lots like Lot 40, though the May 22 Billy Joel and Sting concert is officially cancelled. Advance official premium lots typically cost between $55 and $75. Remember that if you prepaid via a third-party app, you must manually cancel your reservation before the start time to get a refund.
Is there any free parking near the University of Utah stadium on concert nights?
Yes, there is free parking near the University of Utah stadium on concert nights in the Yalecrest Neighborhood, located about a half-mile or a 15-20 minute walk away. Another completely free option is using a UTA Park & Ride lot, such as the Ballpark Station on 1300 S, and utilizing your event ticket to ride the TRAX train for free directly to the stadium.
What time do the parking lots open at Rice-Eccles Stadium for Billy Joel and Sting?
Official parking lots at Rice-Eccles Stadium typically open several hours before the event, with early arrival mandated for areas like Lot 40 since the north section of Guardsman Way closes 3 hours prior to event start times. Please note that the Billy Joel and Sting concert on May 22 has been cancelled. For future stadium events, ADA parking shuttles from Lot 14 also begin operating 3.5 hours prior to the show.
How early should I arrive at Rice-Eccles Stadium to find a parking spot?
You should arrive at Rice-Eccles Stadium at least 2 to 3 hours early to find a parking spot and navigate mandatory road closures, like the shutdown of Guardsman Way 3 hours before kickoff. Arriving early also gives you the best chance to secure one of the 100 first-come, first-served ADA stalls in Lot 14 or a $10 to $20 cash spot in general campus lots like Lot 39 or 44.
Which UTA TRAX line goes to the Rice-Eccles Stadium station?
The UTA TRAX Red Line goes directly to the Rice-Eccles Stadium station. With the 'Ticket As Fare' program, your concert ticket acts as a free transit pass for the entire day, allowing you to bypass the stadium's legendary traffic choke points and avoid paying up to $100 for premium parking spaces.
Are there designated drop-off zones for the Billy Joel concert at the stadium?
Yes, there are designated drop-off zones for the Billy Joel concert at the stadium, with Lyft holding an exclusive zone directly on 500 South. Uber and general rideshare drop-offs are pushed further away to a zone on 1300 East/University Street. Please remember that the Billy Joel event is cancelled, but these zones apply to all major stadium events.
Is there a VIP parking area for the Billy Joel & Sting show at Rice-Eccles?
There are VIP Prime Lots for the Billy Joel & Sting show at Rice-Eccles Stadium, such as Lot 2, which typically cost around $100 when purchased in advance. However, the Billy Joel & Sting show scheduled for May 22 has been officially cancelled. VIP parking passes bundled with a Ticketmaster order are refunded automatically.
How far is the walk from the University of Utah parking lots to the stadium entrance?
The walk from the University of Utah parking lots to the stadium entrance ranges from a 13-minute walk from Lot 40 to about an 18-minute walk from the West Stadium Lot (Lot 1). If you park further east at Lot 33, expect a 17-minute walk, but it offers a much faster exit. To speed up entry once you arrive, use Gate L if arriving from the east, or Honda Gate G if arriving from the north.
What is the bag policy for Rice-Eccles Stadium concerts in 2024?
The bag policy for Rice-Eccles Stadium concerts enforces a strict clear bag rule, requiring all bags to be clear plastic, vinyl, or mesh and no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Alternatively, you can bring a standard 1-gallon Ziploc bag. Bringing an approved clear bag allows you to utilize the No-Bag Express Lanes at the main gates for much faster entry. Rice-Eccles is also a 100% cashless venue.
Can I park at the Huntsman Center for the Billy Joel and Sting concert?
You can park in general campus lots near the Huntsman Center for stadium events for around $10 to $20 using cash or the TEZPARK app, though the Billy Joel and Sting concert is officially cancelled. These south campus lots are a solid choice, but remember that all lanes on 500 South close for exactly 1 hour immediately following major events, which can temporarily trap cars in adjacent lots.
Where can I find ADA parking for the Sting and Billy Joel concert at Rice-Eccles?
You can find ADA parking for the Sting and Billy Joel concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Lot 14 at the Turpin Building. This lot offers 100 dedicated ADA stalls on a first-come, first-served basis at the standard lot rate, and includes a continuous accessible shuttle starting 3.5 hours before the event. Note that the Sting and Billy Joel event is cancelled, but this policy applies to other events.
Are there park-and-ride locations for the Billy Joel concert in Salt Lake City?
Yes, there are several UTA park-and-ride locations for the Billy Joel concert in Salt Lake City, including the Ballpark Station Park & Ride on 1300 S. Parking there is free, and your event ticket acts as a free transit pass on the TRAX train for the 10-15 minute ride to the stadium. Keep in mind that the May 22 concert is cancelled and refunds are automatic.
Is tailgating allowed at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Sting and Billy Joel show?
Tailgating is traditionally allowed at Rice-Eccles Stadium in designated official premium lots like Lot 40 on Guardsman Way, though the Sting and Billy Joel show is cancelled. Passes for this tailgating lot usually run between $55 and $75 in advance. If you attend a future event, note that the north section of Guardsman Way closes 3 hours prior to the event start to accommodate early arrivals.
What happens if it rains for the Billy Joel outdoor concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium?
The Billy Joel outdoor concert at Rice-Eccles Stadium is officially cancelled due to Billy Joel's recent NPH diagnosis, not weather conditions. For general stadium events, rain or shine policies typically apply, but since this specific May 22 event is called off, ticket holders will receive automatic refunds to their original payment methods within 14 to 21 days.
Are there any road closures near the University of Utah on May 22 for the concert?
There will be no concert-related road closures near the University of Utah on May 22 because the Billy Joel and Sting concert has been cancelled. However, during standard stadium events, the north section of Guardsman Way closes 3 hours prior to the start, and all lanes on 500 South close for exactly 1 hour immediately following the event to allow pedestrians to exit safely.
How do I get back to my car after the Billy Joel concert using TRAX?
To get back to your car using TRAX after a stadium event, simply board the Red Line train at the Stadium Station right outside the venue, using your concert ticket as your free fare pass. Expect crowded train platforms and up to a 60-minute wait to board the train after major events end. Note that the Billy Joel concert is officially cancelled.
Where is the cheapest parking within walking distance of Rice-Eccles Stadium?
The cheapest parking within walking distance of Rice-Eccles Stadium is the Yalecrest Neighborhood street parking, which is completely free and about a 15-20 minute walk away. If you prefer official lots, the West Stadium Lot (Lot 1) offers $10 event parking when available, but be prepared for a mandatory 1-hour street shutdown on 500 South that will heavily delay your exit post-event.
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