When the California Golden Bears travel to Charlottesville to face the Virginia Cavaliers on November 14, 2026, Scott Stadium will draw thousands of traveling and local fans into the heart of Grounds. Planning your UVA vs Cal parking charlottesville trip well ahead of kickoff will save you plenty of headaches. Because Scott Stadium sits bordered by historic university buildings, dorms, and narrow city streets, UVA football gameday parking is tightly controlled across Grounds. Getting a good spot comes down to knowing where free lots operate, how garages collect payment, and how to handle charlottesville event parking to avoid the worst postgame bottlenecks.

Where to Park for UVA vs Cal: Free Parking Scott Stadium UVA Options

If you want to know where to park for UVA vs Cal without paying garage rates, free parking Scott Stadium UVA visitors rely on is available at Fontaine Research Park, John Paul Jones (JPJ) Arena, and North Grounds (The Park and D3 surface lots). These official university sites charge no parking fees on game day and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Fontaine Research Park (Red Lots): Fontaine Research Park football parking features both surface spaces and a multi-level deck off Fontaine Avenue near the US-29 Bypass. It is one of the fastest free options to reach from Interstate 64 (Exit 118B). Alongside shuttle service, a paved, lighted walking path connects Fontaine directly to the stadium in about 15 to 20 minutes.
• John Paul Jones Arena (Purple Lots): Located along Massie Road on North Grounds, JPJ offers large surface lots that work well for fans driving down the US-29 North corridor from Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C.
• The Park and D3 Lots (Blue Lots): Sitting right by the UVA School of Law and the Darden Graduate School of Business on North Grounds, these surface spaces give you straightforward inbound and outbound routes through Arlington Boulevard and Massie Road.

Because these spaces cost nothing and need no advance permit, the spots closest to the shuttle stops fill quickly, often two to three hours before kickoff.

John Paul Jones Arena Football Shuttle and Gameday Transit

Yes, UVA Transit runs free, continuous game day shuttles from the free lots at JPJ Arena, Fontaine Research Park, and North Grounds straight to Scott Stadium. The John Paul Jones Arena football shuttle and the Fontaine express lines start three hours before kickoff and run through the game until 90 minutes after the final whistle.

Shuttles drop fans off at two main stadium entrances:

• East Gate Shuttles: Drop off fans seated in Sections 101–115, 301–315, 501–519, and the student hill on the north end zone.
• West Gate Shuttles: Drop off fans with tickets in Sections 116–131, 317–330, and 520–539.

Every UVA game day shuttle bus is a low-floor vehicle with wheelchair ramps, making them fully accessible.

UVA vs Cal Parking Cost: Scott Stadium Parking Rates and Garage Fees

Official university garage rates run between $25 and $30 per vehicle. Private off-site spots and residential driveways generally cost anywhere from $20 to $50. When figuring out your overall UVA vs Cal parking cost, remember that the university does not sell day-of public parking in the lots right next to the stadium. Those are reserved strictly for athletic donors.

For university-run paid decks within walking distance, you have three options:

• Central Grounds Garage: $30 (day-of drive-up only), on South Emmet Street beneath the UVA Bookstore, roughly a 10-minute walk to Scott Stadium.
• South Garage (Hospital South): $25 (prepaid or day-of), off Crispell Drive and Monroe Avenue, roughly a 15-minute walk to the gates.
• Emmet/Ivy Garage: $25 (prepaid or day-of), at the corner of Emmet Street and Ivy Road, about 15 minutes on foot from Scott Stadium. Using Emmet Ivy Garage UVA football parking gives you an easy walking route to the game while keeping you close to the US-250 corridor.

Hourly ParkMobile rates that normally apply across campus (like Zone 5536 at Scott Stadium) do not run during home games. Unauthorized vehicles parked in permit zones will be ticketed and towed.

Campus Garages vs. Neighborhood Spaces: Finding Parking Near Scott Stadium

Deciding where to park for UVA vs Cal comes down to walking distance, departure speed, and whether you want to reserve your spot before you hit the road.

Garages like Central Grounds put you right next to the action, but leaving can take 45 minutes or more as waves of pedestrians pour onto South Emmet Street. Reserving a private driveway or off-street space on Prked—ranked #1 on Trustpilot in both the Parking Garage and Parking Lot categories—near Jefferson Park Avenue or Fry's Spring gets you a guaranteed spot without circling full decks. Because these spots sit along neighborhood streets, you can pull straight onto roads like Sunset Avenue or 5th Street Extended instead of idling in garage lines.

Why Book UVA vs Cal Parking in Charlottesville Residential Neighborhoods?

Booking UVA vs Cal parking on a nearby homeowner's driveway, lawn, or private lot gives you a practical alternative to campus parking. Instead of joining thousands of cars trying to funnel onto Emmet Street and Alderman Road, private neighborhood spaces give you a short walk to the gates and a much cleaner exit onto Charlottesville’s main bypass routes.

• Lewis Mountain (Northwest of Stadium): Driveways on Lewis Mountain Road, Crestmont Avenue, and Thomson Road sit a 7- to 10-minute walk from the West Gate. After the game, you can head straight north toward Ivy Road (US-250 Business) to get onto the US-29 Bypass and US-29 North, avoiding the police barricades on Alderman Road and the gridlock by Central Grounds Garage.
• Fry's Spring and Maury Avenue (Southeast of Stadium): Neighborhood driveways along Maury Avenue, Stadium Road, and Valley Road put you 5 to 10 minutes from the East and South Gates. This pocket gives you clear roads down Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA) toward Cherry Avenue or 5th Street Extended, bypassing Emmet Street entirely on your way to I-64 at Exit 120.
• Fontaine Residential Corridor (Southwest of Stadium): Private spaces off Fontaine Avenue and Ray C. Hunt Drive are roughly an 8- to 12-minute walk from the South Gate. Heading out this way gives you an unobstructed drive down Fontaine Avenue right to the US-29 Bypass and I-64 at Exit 118B, skipping the pedestrian holds on Whitehead Road and Stadium Road.

Booking a spot through Prked is the easiest way to lock down one of these spaces before kickoff without driving around residential blocks or fumbling with cash. The service holds an average 5.0/5 rating on Trustpilot across 750+ reviews. Reserving through the platform usually costs less than official campus decks, lets you see verified property photos and host reviews ahead of time, handles payment online, and means an actual homeowner is keeping an eye on their property while you are at the game.

Can You Pay Cash for UVA Football Gameday Parking?

No. Official University of Virginia game day parking facilities do not take cash. Every university garage and lot is entirely cashless, accepting only major credit and debit cards.

Concessions, team shops, and ticket windows inside Scott Stadium are also 100% cashless. If you plan to pay at the gate at Central Grounds Garage or South Garage, have a card or mobile tap-to-pay ready when you pull up. Cash only helps if you end up parking on an unreserved residential lawn or driveway off-campus.

Do I Need to Buy a UVA Cal Game Parking Pass in Advance?

You do not have to buy a pass in advance if you plan to use the free shuttle lots at Fontaine Research Park, JPJ Arena, or The Park, or if you intend to pay on arrival at Central Grounds Garage. Even so, buying a pass early is smart if you want a guaranteed spot without arriving hours ahead of time.

Prepaid passes for the Emmet/Ivy Garage and South Garage can be purchased online before game day through the UVA Athletics or Parking and Transportation ticket sites. All spaces directly next to Scott Stadium—including the Bryant Hall, West, South, and Alderman Road lots—require a season or single-game Virginia Athletics Foundation (VAF) donor permit. You cannot buy access to donor lots on game day.

How Do I Access My Digital UVA Football Gameday Parking Pass?

You can pull up your digital parking pass by signing into your UVATix account through the Virginia Sports app on your phone. Physical hangtags have been phased out for all VAF lots, so you have to show the pass on your screen at lot checkpoints.

A few quick tips for a smooth entry:

1. Download the Virginia Sports app or log into your UVATix account before leaving home.
2. Save the pass to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Cell service around Scott Stadium slows down considerably once crowds arrive, which makes opening a browser outside the stadium frustrating.
3. Have the pass ready on your screen when you turn onto Alderman Road or Stadium Road so police and parking staff can verify your lot and wave you through. Digital scanners will not accept screenshots.

UVA Football Handicap Parking and ADA Accessible Lots at Scott Stadium

On-site UVA football handicap parking in the lots right around Scott Stadium is limited to drivers with both a state-issued disability placard or plate and a lot-specific VAF parking permit. A state placard alone will not get you into the donor lots near the gates.

If you have a disability and do not hold a VAF permit, the university offers accessible spaces in its free public lots:

• Fontaine Research Park Garage: The entire first floor serves as the main accessible parking area on game days.
• John Paul Jones Arena: Dedicated accessible spaces sit in the JPJ South Lot.
• The Park: Accessible spots are placed near the front shuttle pickup zone.

The free UVA Transit shuttles running from these lots have low floors and hydraulic ramps to handle wheelchairs, motorized scooters, and anyone with mobility concerns. Shuttles drop off right at concourse level by the East and West Gates, sparing you the steep walks along Alderman and Stadium roads.

What Time Do Scott Stadium Tailgating Parking Lots Open?

Official tailgating lots and campus garages open at 8:00 AM on Saturdays for afternoon and evening kickoffs, or about four to five hours prior to kickoff for noon games.

VAF donor lots enforce these times strictly. Charlottesville and University Police do not permit cars to line up on public streets before gates open. Once parked, your tailgating setup must stay within the boundary of your single parking space so emergency lanes remain clear.

Can I Use Charcoal Grills for Tailgating in Scott Stadium Parking Lots?

No. Charcoal grills are banned across all University of Virginia property on game day. UVA prohibits charcoal, open wood fire pits, and deep fryers because of fire regulations and the danger of hot coals.

Propane grills are allowed in surface lots. Grilling of any kind—whether you use propane, an electric cooktop, or an open flame—is completely prohibited inside or on the open roof decks of university parking garages (including Central Grounds, Emmet/Ivy, Fontaine, and South). If you plan to cook before kickoff, stick to a portable propane setup and park in a surface lot.

Scott Stadium Rideshare Drop Off: Uber and Lyft Access for UVA Football

The official rideshare drop-off and pickup spot for game days sits on McCormick Road near Gilmer Hall.

Because Stadium Road and Alderman Road close to general traffic hours before kickoff and stay closed until crowds clear after the game, rideshares cannot reach the stadium gates. Uber and Lyft use geofencing to direct drivers straight to McCormick Road. From Gilmer Hall, you have an easy 7- to 10-minute walk south down Alderman Road to the stadium. When leaving, walk back toward McCormick Road before ordering a car, since drivers cannot reach you along the closed perimeter streets.

Which Gate Should I Enter at Scott Stadium Based on Where I Parked?

Heading straight to the gate closest to your lot will save you a long walk through dense concourse crowds. Scott Stadium has four main perimeter entries.

The stadium enforces a strict clear bag policy. Bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, measuring no more than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Small clutches up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches are allowed too. Gates open 90 minutes before kickoff.

Can I Park at John Paul Jones Arena and Walk to Scott Stadium?

You can make the walk from JPJ Arena, but it is roughly 1.3 miles and takes 25 to 30 minutes at a steady pace.

The route runs south along Emmet Street (US-29 Business), under the train tracks, and up past Central Grounds before reaching the stadium. Plenty of students make the trek when the weather is good, but riding the free JPJ shuttle is much quicker and keeps you away from busy street crossings and sidewalk work along Emmet Street.

How Early Should I Arrive for UVA vs Cal Parking in November?

Plan to reach Charlottesville at least two to three hours before kickoff if you want free parking or a drive-up spot in Central Grounds Garage. For a mid-November ACC matchup, good weather and conference standings usually draw solid crowds to town.

Traffic along US-29, Fontaine Avenue, and the US-250 Bypass tends to pile up three hours ahead of afternoon games. Getting there early secures you a space at Fontaine or JPJ before the lots fill up. It also leaves time to catch the Wahoo Walk—when the team arrives at the stadium two hours before game time—and get through security lines without rushing.

Postgame Charlottesville Event Parking: How Long Does It Take to Exit?

Getting out of lots next to Scott Stadium usually takes between 45 and 75 minutes because of pedestrian crowds and police diversions.

Right after the final whistle, Charlottesville Police hold vehicle traffic on Alderman Road and Whitehead Road while fans leave the stadium on foot. Cars parked in donor lots cannot move until the main crowd clears out. Once you reach city streets, you can expect heavy slow-downs along three main routes:

• Jefferson Park Avenue (JPA): Long queues toward the UVA Medical Center and West Main Street.
• Fontaine Avenue: Bumper-to-bumper traffic moving toward the I-64 and US-29 South interchange.
• South Emmet Street: Gridlock stretching north from the stadium toward University Avenue.

To speed up your drive home, plan your parking location around where you need to head afterward:

• Heading toward Richmond or Waynesboro (I-64): Leave your car at Fontaine Research Park or book a private driveway south of the stadium off Fontaine or Jefferson Park Avenue. When leaving, take Fontaine Avenue straight to the US-29 Bypass south, which connects to I-64 at Exit 118B without routing through campus.
• Heading toward Northern Virginia / D.C. (US-29 North): Pick John Paul Jones Arena or The Park on North Grounds. Leave via Massie Road directly onto the US-250 Bypass or take Leonard Sandridge Road to US-29 North, avoiding Central Grounds entirely.
• Staying in Downtown Charlottesville: Use Central Grounds Garage or South Garage, then hang around the stadium area or grab food along The Corner for 30 to 45 minutes while the first rush of cars clears out.