SAP Center parking lot strategy

tib2d2

Registered User
Jan 4, 2022
35
20
I've been going to sharks games for 25 years, but have only parked in the actual SAP center lot a handful of times. I can never quite figure out where is the best place to park. Is it as close to the arena entrance as you can? Back by the actual lot entrance? Should I always back into the spot?

Basically trying to get advice from seasoned pros where the best place is that cuts down the exiting time the most.
 

LadyStanley

Registered User
Sep 22, 2004
110,752
23,161
Sin City
Which way are you heading? Know that some exits only allow right hand turns. Others allow you to turn left or right.

Backing in is always a good strategy.

If you have no mobility issues, you can save some $$ by parking in more remote lots, like off Autumn behind the arena.

The exit on to Santa Clara only allows right turns. The exit behind is right (towards 87) or left.

(Of course, it's been a few years since I attended a game)
 
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landshark

They'll paint the donkey teal if you pay.
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Mar 15, 2003
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I've been going to sharks games for 25 years, but have only parked in the actual SAP center lot a handful of times. I can never quite figure out where is the best place to park. Is it as close to the arena entrance as you can? Back by the actual lot entrance? Should I always back into the spot?

Basically trying to get advice from seasoned pros where the best place is that cuts down the exiting time the most.
Take Caltrain :D
 

NathanCouture

Angry Joe
Sponsor
Nov 1, 2011
310
84
Santa Rosa, CA
I used to park in the parking garage across from O'Flaherty's Irish Pub or the parking lot on Market. I usually hit the pub to wet the whistle and then grab dinner nearby before the game so these spots were convenient. The cool thing about the spot on Market is after a right turn onto Market it's a straight shot to the highway on the way home and there's almost no fighting traffic getting out of town. But I live in the north bay so your mileage may vary.
 
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fasterthanlight

HFBoards Sponsor
Sponsor
Jul 30, 2009
6,687
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Seattle, WA
Take Caltrain :D
1731446544991.png

totally agree, it's a 5 minute walk from diridon, new electric trains + increased schedule are really nice
 
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hohosaregood

Banned
Sep 1, 2011
33,051
13,684
parking at diridon is possible if you get there early enough. just gotta buy a caltrain ticket to use the parking lot
 

tib2d2

Registered User
Jan 4, 2022
35
20
Ok so we won't be taking Caltrain, thanks for the suggestion though. We'll be entering the Julian street entrance prob, unless the Santa Clara entrance is better? Just curious where is the best place to park that will have the best chance of a quick exit. Looking for frequent visitors of SAP that park in the Arena's lot-

1731447876710.png
 
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Sandisfan

Registered User
Sponsor
Feb 27, 2002
1,231
1,350
San Jose
Ok so we won't be taking Caltrain, thanks for the suggestion though. We'll be entering the Julian street entrance prob, unless the Santa Clara entrance is better? Just curious where is the best place to park that will have the best chance of a quick exit. Looking for frequent visitors of SAP that park in the Arena's lot-

View attachment 929684
I have found when parking in stadium parking that getting closer to the exit with car backed in can save many minutes exiting any facility.
I case you hadn't seen this suggestion I put it here.
 

landshark

They'll paint the donkey teal if you pay.
Sponsor
Mar 15, 2003
3,786
3,204
outer richmond dist
Ok so we won't be taking Caltrain, thanks for the suggestion though. We'll be entering the Julian street entrance prob, unless the Santa Clara entrance is better? Just curious where is the best place to park that will have the best chance of a quick exit. Looking for frequent visitors of SAP that park in the Arena's lot-

View attachment 929684
When I come down from SF I typically stay the night at a local hotel and just walk to the tank. If you're staying further out than walking distance but still in town it might be worth it to Uber/Lyft? Avoid the whole parking lot cluster fudge altogether.


I think you're not going to find that magic spot in the arena parking lot that is guaranteed quick in/out, but good luck!

I also think about, "If I had a magical parking place at the tank, that no one else knows about, would I tell anyone?"
 

landshark

They'll paint the donkey teal if you pay.
Sponsor
Mar 15, 2003
3,786
3,204
outer richmond dist
I have found when parking in stadium parking that getting closer to the exit with car backed in can save many minutes exiting any facility.
Backing into a parking space on a public street is prohibited by the California Vehicle Code Section 22502(a) and HCO 12.32. 030 CA. This may be waived during special events pursuant to a permit issued by the city.

haha ^^^

I don't think this exactly applies to parking structure parking, but I find it comical because I have to parallel park all the damn time and if I couldn't back into the space on a public street I'd never be able to park anywhere in this city.
 

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