Let's face it, the city of Atlanta hasn't quite perfected the art of mass transit, and sometimes driving to an event is not only easier, but could be your only option. However, once you finally make it near the Dome, Turner Field, etc, the daunting task of finding the cheapest parking rip off still remains. You may creep your way over to that one trusty lot you usually rely on, only to find its full or "prepaid only" that day. Or maybe the only Falcons parking that's still open is that $60 lot. Once you finally find your space, and pay, how many times have you walked away wondering if you just paid the actual lot attendant, or a homeless man?
Next time, try this new parking service called Parking Panda! (https://www.parkingpanda.com/) You'll save time and money! Just search for the venue the event is being held at; you'll then be given a list of available parking lots and decks nearby, the distance from the venue for each of those parking locations, and an exact address to map your route there easily!
If you know you've got an event coming up in the next couple of months, you can book online in advance. In fact, I've seen parking available all the way through the first few months of 2015. Or, if you find yourself with last minute concert tickets, download the app for your phone and book your parking right there on the spot! It'll be waiting for you when you finally make it through traffic. The app will work with your navigation and take you right where you're going. It could also be of great benefit next time you find yourself trying to navigate an unfamiliar city in a rental car. Avoid the anxiety of parking by having your space ready!
The best part about this service is the savings! I'm a concert and Braves game junkie, so I'm familiar with all the sky high parking prices around venues. I've seen unbelievably low prices on this website for parking lots and garages you would have to park in for A LOT more the day of, and you may even find a bargain price in a parking lot you didn't even know about. You can save up to 70% on parking, and $5 off coupon codes from a quick Google search are plentiful! Also, after your first purchase, you'll be given a code to send your friends…if they use it, they'll save $5, and so will you next time! Want to save more cash? If you're a Groupon-er, keep an eye out for Parking Panda Groupons listed periodically. I saw one recently for $25 worth of parking credits for only $12!
Or for those of you who own a business or live near a major event area, or one of the popular neighborhoods in the city, Parking Panda even has a way for you to make a few bucks! You can actually list any parking space you have available on there! Let's say your office or retail space for your business you own has its own private parking…if you know there's a cool restaurant everyone is trying to get into, or a great concert nearby outside of your operating hours, why not rent the parking space you're not using anyway? After each transaction, the money is transferred to your bank account, and you'll receive a report of each booking. Of course they have to take their share (which is 20%), but that's still money in your pocket, for nothing more than a few mouse clicks!
So next time, avoid accidentally paying the homeless guy in the parking lot, or pay your dues to the city of Atlanta in some other way beyond a parking ticket, and get in the ballpark in time to hear a botched rendition of the national anthem!
Or, if you've been looking for a way to get back at that ex of yours, list their driveway as parking for Music Midtown. :)
Written by: Whitney Lee
Associate Private CFO®, oXYGen Financial, Inc.
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