Navigating Parking at the University of Alabama: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Alabama (UA) offers various parking options for students, faculty, staff, and visitors. However, navigating the parking system can be challenging, especially for students living on and off campus. This article provides a comprehensive overview of parking services, permits, game day parking, and other essential information to help you navigate parking at UA.
Parking Permits: Types and Regulations
UA offers several parking permit options, including Residential, Commuter, Student Reserved, Perimeter, and Accessible permits. Students can purchase permits based on their needs and eligibility.
- Residential Permits: Students living on campus can purchase residential permits for their designated zone. These permits are available in Yellow, Orange, Silver, and Tan. Students living on campus are only allowed the option to purchase a permit for their residential zone.
- Commuter Permits: Commuter students can purchase a commuter, student reserve, or a perimeter permit based on availability when they register.
- **Student Reserved Permits: Commuter students can purchase a commuter, student reserve based on availability when they register.
- Perimeter Permits: Commuter students may purchase a perimeter permit based on availability when they register.
- Accessible Permits: Accessible permits are issued to students certified by the State of Alabama or their state. Permits from other local colleges or universities are not valid during office hours. Please note that it is a Class B misdemeanor to use an accessible parking permit unless the person to whom the permit is issued is in the vehicle. State laws will be enforced.
Faculty and staff receive green permits and follow a similar process when purchasing their permits.
It is important to note that not having a parking pass or permit can result in parking tickets or more severe consequences like vehicle booting.
Spring 2026 Parking Permits
Students planning to bring a vehicle to campus for the Spring 2026 semester who did not purchase a Fall permit can buy a permit beginning November 24 at the Spring rate.
Read also: UCF Graduation Parking Info
Two-Week Special Residential Permit (Dec. 1-14, 2025)
Residential students who plan to bring their vehicles back to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday and keep them on campus only between Dec. 1-14, 2025, may purchase a special two-week permit for $20.
Limited Parking and Permit Challenges
Despite the large campus and numerous parking zones and lots, finding parking can be challenging, especially for students living in off-campus housing. Many students select permit options based on price and location.
One downside of parking on campus is the limited availability, and some permits can be expensive, especially for parking near specific buildings like Reese Phifer Hall. Purchasing permits for desired locations at a reasonable time is crucial, as they may become unavailable later.
Ideally, students prefer parking near academic buildings or popular locations like the Student Center. However, many students purchase permits to park near the Coleman Coliseum and rely on shuttles to reach their classes. Generally, parking permits closer to primary campus areas are more expensive.
Pay-to-Park Options
For students or visitors without a parking permit or pass, designated pay-to-park areas are available. The ParkMobile App is a popular option for paying for parking in student or red zones on campus. Many students are familiar with the Student Center Deck and Lot but may not be aware of other red zone parking lots. The ParkMobile app provides a campus map showing available parking areas.
Read also: Parking Solutions for Students
Game Day Parking
During football season, UA blocks off specific roads and parking lots near the stadium. Those wanting to park on campus must purchase a game day parking pass or pay an additional parking fee. Game day parking can be chaotic, especially without a parking pass or permit.
Without a parking permit or if you do not live on campus, you will have to pay to park near buildings like the Student Center. UA offers public parking in areas like the Soccer Lot and provides shuttles that will take visitors to The Quad. Local businesses off University Blvd and Paul W Bryant Drive will charge people around $20-60 dollars to park. Free game day parking is also available in the Downtown Intermodal Facility parking deck if you do not mind parking and walking about a mile or two to the stadium.
All parking passes include a free shuttle ride to and from the Quad. Once at the stadium, fans can request a complimentary wheelchair escort by going to First Aid or by calling the 205-963-5337.
Clutch! is the official game day parking technology of the University of Alabama. Parking passes are delivered electronically via mobile delivery. Reserved parking is available for $35, with prices increasing to $40 on game day.
New Parking and Transportation Services
UA is introducing new services to make parking and transportation more convenient for students, faculty, and staff.
Read also: Parking at UT
Crimson Park App
UA Parking Services launched Crimson Park, a free mobile app designed to help users find available parking in real time. The app uses location services and crowd-sourced data to update as spaces open and guides drivers to open spots across campus.
Users can set up a parking profile in the app to receive additional features based on their specific permit. This optional feature allows Crimson Park to display space availability by zone, send alerts if a user parks in the wrong zone, and help locate their vehicle later. Always allow location services for the most accurate results. The more people who download and set up the app, the more accurate the service becomes. Crimson Park is available for iOS and Android.
Bama Cash for Transient Parking
Faculty, staff, and students can now use Bama Cash to pay for transient parking in the Student Center Parking Deck, Transportation Hub Deck, North ten Hoor Parking Deck, and Capstone Parking Deck. Use the same credential to enter and exit the deck. Make sure you have enough Bama Cash loaded to cover your parking cost.
SGA Airport Transit Program
The Student Government Association Airport Transit Program, in partnership with UA Transportation Services and College Break Bus, offers shuttle service to and from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airports during fall, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks. Advance reservations are required.
Commencement Parking
Free parking and shuttles for all graduates and guests will be available in the Soccer Lot, which can be accessed from University Boulevard. Shuttles are wheelchair accessible and will drop off at the front of Coleman Coliseum. Additional parking is available in the Capstone Parking Deck, but no shuttle service will be provided from the deck. The Coleman Coliseum lot is reserved for commencement reserved passes and state-issued accessible parking placards/ license plates. The accessible parking area is located on the east side of Coleman Coliseum. A state-issued accessible parking placard/ license plate is required. Enter at Second Avenue from Bryant Drive only. 1042 Dr. Located at the corner of Bryant Drive and Dr. Stallings Dr.
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