Parking at Thompson’s Point can seem a bit confusing, as there are both free and paid parking options available depending on the time of day, event, and parking area. In this article, we’ll break down the parking situation at Thompson’s Point to help you understand if and when you need to pay for parking.
Overview of Parking at Thompson’s Point
Thompson’s Point is a large mixed-use development in Portland, Maine located along the Fore River. It contains concert venues, restaurants, office buildings, housing, and more. With so many attractions and businesses, parking can get competitive during peak times.
There are a few main parking areas at Thompson’s Point:
- Surface parking lots
- Parking garages
- On-street parking
The surface lots and garages are privately operated by Thompson’s Point management. This parking has a mix of free and paid options depending on the lot, time of day, and event schedule. On-street parking is managed by the city of Portland and also has varying restrictions.
Daytime and Evening Parking
During the day Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, parking is free in the Thompson’s Point surface lots and garages. This encourages office workers in the complex to park on-site. After 5pm on weekdays and all day on weekends, the parking becomes paid in many surface lots when there are events happening.
There are over 2,000 parking spaces at Thompson’s Point, so finding free parking during the day is usually not a problem if you arrive early. In the evenings and weekends, the paid event parking ranges from $5-20 depending on the event. Major concerts and sports games will have higher rates and sell out quickly.
On-Street Parking
On-street parking surrounding Thompson’s Point along Fore Street, Malta Street, and Hancock Street is metered or time-restricted during the day. Rates are typically $1-2 per hour with 2-4 hour time limits. Parking enforcement in Portland is vigilant, so be sure to pay the meters or move your vehicle when the time limit expires.
After 6pm and on Sundays, most metered spaces become free. However, there are still time restrictions in effect so you cannot park indefinitely. Some spaces also become reserved for residents only, so be sure to read the signs carefully before parking on the street overnight.
Getting Validated Parking
Many of the businesses and restaurants in Thompson’s Point offer validation for garage or lot parking when you visit them. For example, if you eat dinner at the Front Room restaurant, they can validate your parking ticket to waive the fee. This encourages visitors to dine and shop on-site.
Validations typically cover the cost of parking for 2-4 hours. The businesses have validation machines and stickers to mark your ticket as paid. Be sure to ask for validation before paying at the garage or lot exit to maximize your parking savings.
Accessibility Parking at Thompson’s Point
There are designated accessible parking spaces located near the entrances of each garage, lot, and businesses at Thompson’s Point. These spaces are clearly marked with signage and blue painted ground markings. They also have extra space for ramps and wheelchair access.
Drivers need a valid disability placard or license plate to legally park in an accessible space. During major events when parking is limited, only those with a documented need should use the accessibility spaces so they are available to those who truly require them.
Where to Park for Specific Destinations
Here are some tips on the best places to park for major destinations within Thompson’s Point:
Concerts at Thompson’s Point Venue
– Check venue website in advance for parking maps and prepaid pass options
– Arrive early, lots fill up quickly
– Expect to pay $10-20 for close-in concert parking
Portland Lobster Company Restaurant
– Park in surface lot behind restaurant
– Get validation inside to cover $5 parking fee
– Metered street parking also available nearby
Coast Brewing Company
– Park in garage across Fore Street
– Have bartender validate ticket to waive $7 garage fee
– Can park on street but check for time limits
Thompson’s Point Office Buildings
– Free garage and surface lot parking weekdays 9am-5pm
– Access via Malta Street entrance
– Street parking metered and time-limited
Parking for Thompson’s Point Events
Thompson’s Point hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and sporting events throughout the year. Parking gets more complicated during major happenings when lots fill up quickly. Here are some tips for navigating event parking:
- Check the event website or ticketing site for parking information in advance
- Arrive early, at least 1 hour before start time, to get a good spot
- Consider prepaid parking passes if offered to guarantee a space
- Be prepared to pay higher event parking rates ($15-20 is typical)
- Follow directional signs and parking attendants to find designated lots
- Don’t block emergency vehicle access lanes or restricted areas
- Have a backup plan like Uber or off-site parking if on-site lots are full
Major concerts can attract over 5,000 attendees so parking goes quickly. If an event is sold out, finding any parking even off-site can be difficult. Allow extra time and be patient with the process.
Parking Tips for Thompson’s Point
To make your parking experience smooth at Thompson’s Point, keep these tips in mind:
- Check online ahead of time for parking maps and restrictions
- Arrive early before events, crowds, and fees start
- Keep payment methods like quarters for meters handy
- Get validations from businesses to reduce or waive fees
- Watch for time limits on street parking to avoid tickets
- Consider Uber/Lyft as an alternative if parking is full
- Don’t park illegally – you will get towed
Conclusion
Parking at the popular Thompson’s Point development can definitely be confusing. With a mix of free and paid parking options that change depending on the time, day, and events, it’s easy to get tripped up. Now that you know where and when to find free parking areas, when to expect to pay for parking, and strategies for parking during busy events, you can navigate Thompson’s Point like a pro. Just be sure to read signs carefully, allow enough time, and have payment ready, and you’ll be set.