Tulsa Plans For Fan Parking At NCAA Tourney

Tara Vreeland, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tens of thousands of basketball fans will flood downtown from the BOK Center to bars and restaurants as the madness takes over Tulsa.

All those people will need a place to park, and the city has a plan.

The City of Tulsa says Friday will be the most challenging day to find parking around the BOK Center because it's a business day. They say they expect about three people will come in a car and estimate we'll need about 6,000 parking places.

You go to the game. You've got to park.

Parking could be tricky, but the city of Tulsa is hoping to simplify the situation so getting to your March madness experience isn't so maddening.

3/16/2011 Related Story: Tulsa NCAA Madness Kicks Into High Gear With Single-Session Tickets

When you get in your car - first don't forget your tickets - drive towards downtown. Message boards will be set up on Friday morning before the first game.

The boards will tell you which exit to take. And as you exit, they'll direct you to basic parking areas.

"Now are they all close. Some of them are premium spots up close. There's probably 1,000 up close within a blocks walking distance," said Skipper Bains, City of Tulsa special events manager.

City of Tulsa road closures and parking map

Parking prices vary. Metered parking is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends. The standard rate for a garage is $8, and prime spots closer to the BOK Center will cost about $20.

You may have to hunt for a spot, but the city says there are 2,500 spots directly downtown.

After downtown reaches capacity, parking attendants will call the police command post and the message boards will redirect traffic towards parking at OSU Tulsa where there are another 3,000 spots.

After you park - don't leave your tickets in your car - hop on the free shuttle.

See the shuttle routes

"We've got two shuttle services to bring you right to the doorstep," Bains said.

Handicapped spots will be at the west curb of Denver. And all parking garages have designated handicapped spots.

Free shuttles will run from the Blue Dome and Brady Arts district. Another will run from the Brookside, Cherry Street and 18th and Boston area.

But also - the weather is supposed to be fantastic so don't worry about hoofing it an extra few blocks.