The Rio Rancho Event Center is a popular venue in Rio Rancho, New Mexico that hosts various events throughout the year such as conferences, trade shows, concerts, and sporting events. With large events attracting crowds, parking availability and costs are important factors for attendees to consider. This article will provide an overview of parking options at the Rio Rancho Event Center and rules and rates for parking there.
Overview of Parking at Rio Rancho Event Center
The Rio Rancho Event Center has a large parking lot onsite that can accommodate over 1,500 vehicles. This paved lot surrounds the event center building. There are multiple entrances and exits to the parking lot for easy access. The parking lot is well-lit at night with lights throughout the lot and along the perimeter.
During large events that attract big crowds, this main onsite parking lot may fill up. When that occurs, there are additional overflow parking areas that are opened up nearby. These auxiliary lots have shuttle buses running to transport attendees from the parking areas to the event center building.
Parking attendants and security personnel are onsite during events to monitor the lots, direct traffic, and assist with parking needs. They can guide drivers where to park when lots near the venue start to reach capacity.
Parking Rates and Fees at Rio Rancho Event Center
In most cases, parking at the Rio Rancho Event Center does require a fee or payment. The rates vary based on the type of event:
Major Ticketed Events
For major events like concerts, sports games, and conferences that require an admission ticket, parking fees are typically included in the overall ticket price. Attendees park for free with their ticket purchase. An example is for big concerts – the concert promoter selling the tickets factors parking into the overall ticket pricing.
Smaller Events
For smaller exhibitions, meetings, and community events held at the venue, paid parking is often still required. Event organizers can choose to cover parking fees for attendees as part of the event registration or tickets. Alternatively, attendees may have to pay for parking individually.
Standard parking rates at the Rio Rancho Event Center are:
0 to 2 hours | $3 |
2 to 4 hours | $5 |
4 to 6 hours | $10 |
6 to 24 hours | $15 |
These rates apply for self-parking in the main lots near the event center building. Free parking may be offered in more distant overflow lots with shuttle service, depending on the event.
Cash and credit cards are accepted for parking payments. Attendees should bring payment methods if parking is not prepaid or covered through registration.
Venue Employee and Vendor Parking
Rio Rancho Event Center employees and vendors servicing events park for free in designated areas. Employee parking sections are marked with signage. Loading docks and backstage vendor areas also provide parking.
Validating Parking and Receipts
If paid parking is required at an event, parking validation or receipts are needed to exit the lots with a vehicle. Here is how the parking validation process works:
- When drivers enter the parking lot, they either prepay at a kiosk or take a ticket from a dispenser.
- The kiosk payment or parking ticket acts as proof of payment to exit later.
- Upon exiting the lot, the driver inserts the ticket or kiosk receipt into a payment machine.
- The payment machine calculates the parking fee based on the current time and stored entry time.
- Drivers can pay the parking fee at that exit kiosk by cash or credit card.
- The exit kiosk then prints a receipt that allows the vehicle to exit through the gate.
For some events, parking validation may be offered for a discount or free parking. Attendees can get their parking ticket or receipt validated inside the venue at a specified location. The validation sticker or marking allows attendees to exit without an additional parking payment or with a reduced fee.
Accessible Parking at the Rio Rancho Event Center
Accessible parking spaces for disabled drivers are available in the parking lots closest to the event center entrances. These designated mobility impairment parking spaces have proper signage and access aisles.
Parking in an accessible space requires a valid state-issued disability parking placard or license plate. Usage of the accessible parking spots is reserved only for those with legitimate disability parking credentials.
If needed, attendees can contact the venue ahead of an event about availability of accessible parking spaces and any special parking needs. There are also drop-off zones near building entrances for convenient access.
Additional Parking Tips
To make parking easy when attending an event at the Rio Rancho Event Center, keep these tips in mind:
- Check your event website or ticket info to see if parking is prepaid, validated, or required as a separate fee
- Arrive early to get a convenient spot; lots fill quickly
- Bring cash or credit card for self-parking payments
- Follow posted signs and parking attendant directions
- Keep your parking receipt or ticket safe for exit
- Note your parking location to easily find your vehicle later
Advanced planning for parking makes navigating the Rio Rancho Event Center lots simple. Contact event organizers directly with any specific parking questions not covered here.
Conclusion
Parking is available at the Rio Rancho Event Center in New Mexico for the various events hosted at the venue throughout the year. Large main lots provide self-parking surrounding the event center building, with overflow lots as needed during big events.
In most cases, paid parking fees apply for attendees. Rates range from $3 for short-term parking up to $15 for all-day parking. Major ticketed events sometimes include parking with the ticket purchase, while smaller events may validate or cover parking costs.
Understanding the parking rates, validation procedures, and lot locations makes visiting the Rio Rancho Event Center seamless. Arriving early, allowing extra time, and checking event details help drivers fully prepare for parking needs at this busy venue. With proper planning, parking will not be a major headache, letting attendees better enjoy the events being held there.