It's soccer season
Zoom, zoom: Mazdas (and season ticket holders) rule Dynamo lots: Where to parkand where to party
On Saturday at 3:30 p.m., the Houston Dynamo faces off against D.C. United in the team's inaugural game in the BBVA Compass Stadium. This is a cause for celebration — don't let parking get in your way.
There are plenty of ways to get to the stadium, and every fan will have the opportunity to tailgate before the game whether arriving by car, bus, taxi, bicycle or pedi-cab (or, someday, via light rail).
A city ordinance amendment passed in March allows open containers in parking lots owned, operated or controlled by a sports franchise. The good news is Minute Maid Park's Lots B and C have been leased by the Dynamo for the entire 2012 season. The bad news is that those 1,500 parking spots are already sold out, with Dynamo season ticket holders getting first dibs. Fans lucky enough to nab a parking space will be allowed to pre-party all they want while adhering to these guidelines.
There are plenty of ways to get to the stadium, and every fan will have the opportunity to tailgate before the game, whether arriving by car, bus, taxi, bicycle or pedi-cab (or, someday, via light rail).
Even if you aren't a season ticket holder, there is one more premium parking opportunity for Dynamo fans with the right rides. A Mazda Activation Area on Bastrop Street between McKinney and Walker will be set up with 30 parking spots exclusively for Mazda drivers. The lot opens four hours before kick-off with special activities for Mazda enthusiasts.
Tailgating privileges don't extend to privately-owned lots, but operators abound in the area. Whether you are parking in alcohol-free lots or are taking public transport to the game, the Dynamo offers two pre-game party options.
There is a segregated 21-and-up party zone on the newly dubbed "Orange Avenue" on Rusk east of St. Emanuel. For family-friendly fun, head to the adjacent Greenstar Recycling Soccer Fest area just outside of the stadium's Southwest Gate. Both zones open four hours before the game, with food, drinks, live music and interactive activities.
A map details the main stadium thoroughfares, private and reserved parking areas, and pick up/drop off areas for taxis, buses and passengers. Other transportation options, like pedi-cabs, will be available before and after game day activities.