Parking is an important consideration when attending any large event venue like the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. Knowing the parking situation beforehand allows you to better plan your arrival and budget for any parking fees. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the parking options at the Xfinity Center, including whether parking is free or paid.
About the Xfinity Center
The Xfinity Center, originally known as the Tweeter Center, is an large outdoor amphitheater located in Mansfield, MA. Owned by Live Nation, the venue has a capacity of around 19,900 seats and hosts major concerts and live events during the summer months.
The Xfinity Center first opened in 1986 and has hosted acts like Boston, Rush, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, and many more over its decades of operation. Its convenient location provides easy access for concert-goers coming from Boston and Providence metro areas.
Parking Options at the Xfinity Center
There are several parking lots surrounding the Xfinity Center venue itself. The main parking options include:
– General Parking Lots – Large paved lots that accommodate most concert attendees. They are located directly adjacent to the amphitheater grounds.
– VIP/Premier Parking – Special lots close to venue entrances designated for VIP guests, premier ticket holders, handicapped parking, and production personnel.
– Offsite Lots – Additional lots located further away from the amphitheater that require shuttle transportation. May be used during sold out events.
– On-street Parking – Limited street parking is available on roads near the venue, but availability is not guaranteed.
Are the Main Parking Lots Free at the Xfinity Center?
No, unlike some other outdoor amphitheaters, parking is not free at the Xfinity Center. The main general parking lots charge a fee for each vehicle parking for a concert or event.
General parking rates typically range from $20-50 per vehicle depending on the show. Higher profile concerts usually result in higher parking rates. Parking fees will be clearly posted on the venue website ahead of each show.
Patrons can pay for general parking on-site at the lots via cash or credit card. Parking attendants are on hand to collect payment upon arrival. Pre-paid parking passes may also be available for some shows.
VIP and Premier Parking Fees
In addition to the general parking lots, the Xfinity Center offers closer VIP and Premier parking options for a higher fee.
Rates for VIP parking typically range from $60-100 per vehicle. This provides parking in dedicated lots right next to the amphitheater gates.
Premier parking is slightly less expensive, usually $40-60 per vehicle, but still allows closer access than general parking and may include private entrances.
VIP and Premier parking can be purchased in advance online through the Xfinity Center website or on-site on the day of the event, subject to availability. Having a pre-paid pass guarantees you a space in the preferred lots.
Benefits of Pre-Paid Parking vs On-Site
Pre-paying for parking in advance, especially for VIP or Premier access, has several advantages:
– Guaranteed Space – Buying ahead of time ensures you will have a space waiting in your desired parking lot. Limited spaces may sell out.
– Avoid On-Site Lines – Pre-paid parking allows you to bypass parking lot lines and attendants on the day of the show. Just show your pass and proceed directly to your designated lot.
– Potential Discount – Sometimes pre-paid parking offers a slight discount over paying at the gate upon arrival. Every dollar saved on parking is a plus.
– Convenience – Having parking handled ahead of time is one less thing to worry about on concert day. You can go straight to the lot indicated on your permit.
The only downside is parking passes are non-refundable if you can no longer attend the concert. Make sure the show is 100% confirmed before pre-paying for passes online.
Offsite Parking Options
For major sold out shows, additional offsite parking lots may be made available and required for some attendees. These auxiliary lots are located farther away from the amphitheater grounds.
Free shuttle transportation is provided to transport fans between the offsite lots and Xfinity Center entrances. Shuttles start running at least a few hours before showtime and continue until crowds dissipate after the concert.
Offsite parking rates are usually a bit cheaper than general on-site lots, around $15-30 per vehicle. This parking should be clearly marked on the venue map and website.
Some key tips for offsite parking:
– Allow plenty of extra time when using shuttles and account for waiting in line
– Bring your printed parking pass and concert ticket with you
– Dress comfortably for the weather while waiting outdoors for shuttles
– Confirm shuttle hours for your return trip after the show ends
While less convenient, offsite parking can still be a good option for saving money on busy event days. Just be strategic in your timing and transportation.
Is Street Parking Available Near the Venue?
Limited street parking is available on roads open to public parking near the Xfinity Center. However, finding open spaces is not guaranteed.
Nearby residential areas often have strict permit-only parking, so be sure to read any posted signs carefully before attempting street parking there. You may be subject to ticketing and towing if violating local parking rules.
For concerts with heavy attendance, street parking tends to fill up very early with other concert-goers. Your best bet is to target parking within designated Xfinity Center lots rather than vying for street parking.
If you do decide to pursue street parking, some tips include:
– Scout locations and availability during lower traffic times in advance
– Prioritize public roads over private property or residential permit zones
– Allow extra buffer time to find a space before showtime
– Have a backup parking plan ready in case street parking is full
– Be prepared to walk a bit farther to the venue entrance
While sometimes an option, street parking around Xfinity Center is limited, unreliable, and should not be counted on as your primary parking strategy.
Parking for Disabled Guests
Accessible parking options are available for disabled guests at the Xfinity Center upon providing the appropriate state-issued placards or license plates.
Designated handicapped parking sections are located in the general parking lots near the amphitheater entrances. Premier lots may also have some handicapped spaces available.
Parking rates are the same for disabled parking as other spaces in those respective lots. However, accessible parking cannot be pre-paid online and must be acquired on-site.
Companion vehicles for disabled guests can also park in the handicapped parking area with appropriate credentials. Xfinity Center staff is available to provide assistance to anyone needing help with transport between parking and venue gates.
Disability parking shuttles are also offered between the handicapped lots and entrances for anyone unable to make the walk. Guests should call ahead to request shuttle service based on their needs.
Where to Get Turn-By-Turn Driving Directions
The Xfinity Center website and printed venue maps have detailed driving directions for arriving from various locations.
For GPS navigation purposes, the physical address of the venue is:
Xfinity Center
885 S Main St
Mansfield, MA 02048
Ideally, punch the exact address into your preferred maps app or navigation system when plotting your driving route. This will provide the most accurate real-time directions and parking lot options.
If using Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze or similar apps, simply enter “Xfinity Center Mansfield, MA” as the destination. The apps should recognize the saved venue location and route you accordingly.
Be sure to account for traffic conditions at your arrival time in the Boston region, especially for weekday concerts during rush hours. Leave ample time to get to the amphitheater based on traffic reports.
Following your navigation app’s prompts or the website directions will guide you into the complex and designated Xfinity Center parking areas without having to stop for directions.
Tips for Navigating Xfinity Center Parking
Once you arrive, here are some key tips for making your way through the Xfinity Center grounds:
– Have your parking pass ready if pre-paid and follow signs or attendants to the correct lot
– Temporary directional signs and staff will be present to guide inbound traffic
– Proceed to open spaces – don’t stop in lanes or block traffic to wait for a preferred spot
– Park within defined spaces only – illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed
– Note your lot name, section, aisle, and space number to remember where you parked
– Follow pedestrian paths on foot to the stadium entrance, not roads
– Cross only at designated crosswalks for safety when walking to/from lots
– Allow extra time to exit parking lots due to congestion after events finish
If an attendant waves you through to a certain lot or area, don’t stop to argue – just follow their instructions. Staff wants to park vehicles and keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible.
Parking Lot Safety Tips
When using the Xfinity Center parking lots, keep these safety tips in mind:
– Lock your vehicle and do not leave any valuables visible inside to avoid break-ins
– Keep your event ticket on you at all times rather than leaving it in your car
– Use caution when retrieving items from your trunk or tailgate before heading into the show
– Stay alert walking through lots and crossing roadways and obey all posted signs
– Do not consume alcohol in the parking areas or leave unattended drinks in cupholders
– Have a designated driver for your group who refrains from drinking alcohol
– Tailgating must finish and regulated hours prior to the event start time
– Report any suspicious activity immediately to parking or venue staff
General parking areas will have attendants circulating periodically, but cannot monitor vehicles constantly. Take standard precautions to protect your vehicle and belongings.
Exiting the Parking Lots Post-Event
Parking lots will be extremely congested following concerts as tens of thousands of people leave at once. Here are some tips for navigating the exit:
– Don’t rush straight to your car – consider grabbing food or using the restrooms to allow crowds to disperse
– Follow signs and staff directions for the most efficient drive out routes
– Be alert for pedestrians walking near vehicles to exit
– Expect delays getting out – use patience and caution
– Avoid driving shortcuts – only use marked drive lanes
– Obey posted speed limits for safety
– Turn on your headlights for visibility as you queue to exit
– Don’t stop or park illegally – keep moving with traffic flow
– If you get separated from your group, agree on a meeting spot outside the lots
– Consider pre-paying for faster exit options if available
With heavy crowds, you may need 30-60+ minutes just to get out of the lots following a major concert. Build in that cushion as you plan your timeline for the night.
Alternative Transportation Options
Driving and parking yourself is the most common way to get to the Xfinity Center. However, some other transportation options exist:
Local Shuttle Buses
– Commuter buses may run direct shuttle routes from nearby communities to events
– Check your local school district or transit authority’s website for availability
– Shuttles typically cost a few dollars each way
Ride Share
– Uber, Lyft, taxis – Better for shorter distances, not Boston metro
– Coordinate pickup/drop-offs from ride share waiting area
– Split costs by booking together with other concert-goers
MBTA Commuter Rail
– Mansfield station is 2 miles from venue via shuttle buses
– Frequent trains from Boston, Providence, and Attleboro lines
– Purchase round-trip fare in advance online
Carpooling
– Share rides and parking costs with friends also going
– Apps like Carma can connect you with concert carpools
– Meet at centralized spots for pickup
Lodging Shuttles
– If staying at nearby hotels, check if they offer event shuttles
– Book accommodation packages that bundle stays with transportation
Give yourself plenty of leeway if relying on third-party transportation – build in buffer time for traffic, delays, transfers, etc.
Conclusion
In summary, parking is not free at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. General parking rates start around $20 per vehicle and closer VIP/Premier lots cost $40-100. Parking fees will be in effect for all shows at the venue.
Concert-goers can either pre-pay for parking online or pay upon arrival in designated lots. Pre-paid passes allow faster access and entrance to preferred parking sections. Additional offsite lots may also be utilized at high-traffic events via shuttle transportation.
Review driving directions, allow plenty of time to arrive and park, follow posted signs and staff instructions, and take safety precautions around vehicles. Patron patience and courtesy is key when navigating the busy parking areas at this major outdoor entertainment venue. With proper planning and expectations, parking at the Xfinity Center can still be relatively smooth and convenient.