parking tips for vsu trojans wbb/mbb vs. bluefield state university at vsu multi-purpose center (petersburg va 01/31)

hey everyone, figured i'd share some parking advice for the trojans double header this saturday, 01/31, starting at 2:00 pm. the good news is you miss that terrible university weekday traffic rush, but the main lanes into the vsu multi-purpose center will still get clogged up leading right to 2nd avenue, which is the main entrance.

honestly, if you want the easiest possible experience, you should check out Prked. it's an app where people rent out their driveways and private parking spots right next to the venue. it's usually way cheaper than trying to pre-buy preferred parking, and the big win is that using it lets you completely bypass the long line of cars funneling into the main university lots, keeping you out of that awful 2nd avenue traffic pinch point and giving you a super short walk.

if you want to stick with the official parking, you're in luck because parking is currently free of charge for most regular basketball events at the mpc. your main options are lot 40 (directly in front of the building and the most popular), and lots 39 and 41, which are located on the left side off 2nd avenue. lot 39 is also a main commuter lot, and the gravel lot 27c near the admission building is also used as a free overflow option. just know these can mean a slightly longer walk.

for timing and avoiding the crush, the doors for the center usually open one hour before the first tip-off, so around 1:00 pm. even for a saturday 2 pm game, you should aim to arrive between 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm to grab a spot in lot 40 without fighting for it. if you wait much longer, you'll be sitting in the line of cars coming from i-95 via temple avenue/dupuy ave/river road. speaking of traffic, be aware there's a traffic pattern change on the crater road/i-95 bridge area, so check your gps for the latest on that crucial route before you leave, as ongoing bridge repair means the southbound lanes are closed.

if you really want a primo, guaranteed spot and money isn't an issue, reserved preferred parking passes can sometimes be pre-purchased on ticketmaster for access to spots like reserved lot 43. it costs extra but it's totally worth it to save your sanity on a game day. a huge warning: do not try to park on any grass, sidewalks, or in fire lanes or you will get hit with a fine, potentially $50 or more. the campus police enforce those rules strictly, even for special events.

hope this helps and go trojans!