The Philadelphia Parking Authority is trying to encourage sports fans to take public transportation to the stadium complex Tuesday night by making it easier for fans to park their cars elsewhere in the city.
Beginning at 5 p.m., street parking will be free across the city, and four parking garages in Center City will cost just $5, the PPA said. Parking also will be free at all PPA-run lots near SEPTA regional rail stations. Free parking ends at 7 a.m. Wednesday.
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The move is intended to minimize traffic congestion near the stadium complex and the South Philly neighborhoods that surround it.
The Flyers have bumped up their home opener against the Vancouver Canucks at the Wells Fargo Center to 6 p.m. – two hours before the Phillies play Game 2 of their playoff series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
As if that wasn't enough excitement for the sports-obsessed city, a soccer match between Mexico and Germany will be played at Lincoln Financial Field at 8 p.m.
The four parking garages offering reduce rates are:
• Autopark at Independence Mall, Fifth and Market streets
• Autopark at Fashion District, 10th and Filbert streets
• Autopark at Old City, Second and Sansom streets
• Parkade on 8th, 801 Filbert St.
"In good times and bad, Philadelphians have always stuck together and helped each other out," PPA Executive Director Rich Lazer said in a statement. "In the tradition of helping where and when we can, the PPA joins the city in celebrating our sports teams and will provide free and discounted parking ... Tuesday."
Like many big cities, Philadelphia is not exactly known for having a stress-free, affordable parking experience. Last month, a report found that Philly is the third-most expensive place to park one's car longterm, with an average monthly cost of $250. Only New York City and San Francisco ranked higher than Philly in that analysis of big city parking costs.