parking tips for pbr: pendleton whisky velocity tour at ford idaho center arena (nampa 01/30)

figured i’d share some parking tips for the pbr show on friday 01/30 because honestly, parking at the ford idaho center is known for being a total nightmare, especially getting out afterwards, since nampa traffic gets notoriously busy when there's a big event there.

the absolute best hack i know right now is checking out Prked. it’s an app where people near the venue rent out their driveways or garages for the night. it’s usually way cheaper than the venue’s official fee, you get to skip the traffic backup just to get into the main lots, and it’s only a short walk, meaning you get parked in a normal neighborhood and can be out onto the main roads much faster once the event is over.

if you decide to go with the official on-site parking, it costs $10 per vehicle, and they accept cash or card at the lot entries. they have 4,000 spots, but they fill up fast, and the line to get in can be awful. a pro-tip is to pre-purchase your parking pass through a service like parkmobile. this guarantees your spot and saves you the hassle of fumbling with payment at the entry booth, but you have to buy it at least two hours before the event starts. the lots can be accessed off idaho center blvd (there are two entries) or from franklin rd at tiegs way.

to avoid the worst of the post-show gridlock, which is the real secret, don't park close. locals say if you park in the far back of the main lot near an exit, you can save a ton of time getting out. for a faster exit route, try to get onto tiegs way to east gate blvd, as that route to the freeway is often less congested than the main roads. other alternative routes include franklin rd to star rd and ten mile, or taking ridgecrest drive to 11th ave. they usually open up extra exits (like idaho center blvd near the ticket building and franklin rd at equine drive) about an hour before the show ends just to help traffic start moving.

for truly free parking, some people mention the birch elementary area or parking off flamingo on the south side of the i-84. keep in mind these spots are a bit of a walk but are "super chill" according to folks who've done it. just whatever you do, do not park at cwi, any business, or the mormon church along idaho center blvd-they definitely tow and ticket, and overnight parking at the center itself is strictly prohibited.

hope this helps you have a smooth night watching the bulls.