Quick Summary:
- Arrive 90 to 120 minutes early for smoother entry and shorter queues.
- Prepaid on-site lots cost more but deliver the quickest, closest walk.
- For faster exits, choose lots with direct access to I-15 ramps.
- Avoid residential streets, casino loading bays, and signed tow-away zones.
Allegiant Stadium sits just west of the Las Vegas Strip, with high-demand event nights that can turn simple parking into a long, stressful crawl. If you are using car hire in Las Vegas, the goal is to match your priorities, quick entry, quick exit, lowest cost, or easiest walking route, to the right lot and approach roads. This guide maps out practical parking options for Raiders games and concert nights, when to arrive, which entrances reduce post-event gridlock, and how to avoid tow-away zones around the stadium.
If you are flying into LAS and collecting a vehicle, start with car hire at Las Vegas Airport (LAS). For broader local options, see car hire in Las Vegas and car hire in Nevada. Choosing the right vehicle can help too, especially for groups, luggage, or tailgating-style kit, for example SUV hire in Las Vegas.
Know the stadium layout before you drive
Allegiant Stadium is bordered by key arteries that dictate your experience. To the north and east you have the I-15 corridor and Mandalay Bay area. To the west are surface streets that can clog quickly once traffic control starts. Many event nights also bring temporary restrictions, police-directed turns, and closed medians. The biggest mistake is aiming for “the closest” without thinking about how you will get out.
In general, lots on the east and north side can be better positioned for I-15 access after the event, while some west-side approaches can feel easier before kickoff but slower when everyone leaves at once. Your best outcome often comes from committing to a route early, staying in the correct lane, and accepting that you may need to circle once if traffic control forces a turn.
Best parking choices, what they cost, and who they suit
Prices fluctuate by event, opponent, and day of week, so think in ranges. The most reliable way to avoid surprises is to check the official event parking details before you drive, and to stick to clearly marked, staffed lots. The categories below are the ones most visitors actually use.
1) Official on-site stadium lots
These are the closest and usually the most expensive, with the simplest walk to the gates. On major nights, official lots commonly run from about $60 to $150, with premium locations sometimes higher. The upside is predictable access control and signage. The downside is that leaving can be slow if your lot funnels into one or two exit points.
Who they suit: first-time visitors who want the easiest walk, families with small children, and anyone prioritising security and clear wayfinding over the fastest departure.
Quickest exit tip: if you value getting back to your hotel quickly, choose a lot with a straightforward route to I-15 or to a major Strip connector, rather than the lot that is physically closest to your gate.
2) Nearby off-site paid lots (walkable)
Private event lots pop up around the stadium corridor on game days and concert nights. Pricing often lands in the $30 to $80 range depending on distance and demand. Some are excellent, staffed and well-lit, while others are cramped or poorly organised. Look for lots with clear entrance and exit lanes and attendants directing traffic. A lot that is five minutes farther on foot can save you 30 minutes in a vehicle later.
Who they suit: travellers using car hire who want to balance cost and convenience, and groups who do not mind a short walk.
Walk-time reality check: a “0.5 mile walk” can feel longer in crowds and heat. Build in 15 to 25 minutes from lock-up to your seat, depending on security queues.
3) Strip and casino parking with a walk or short rideshare hop
Some visitors park at Strip properties and either walk part-way or use a short rideshare to a designated drop zone. This can work well if you already plan to spend time on the Strip before the event. However, event nights can trigger special parking rules, time limits, or higher fees at certain properties. You also risk getting stuck in Strip congestion when the event ends, even if you avoided the stadium lots.
Who they suit: people combining dinner or drinks on the Strip with the event, and anyone comfortable with slower post-event traffic but wanting a familiar parking structure.
Key caution: do not assume a casino garage is “free”. Always read the posted event-day signs at the entrance and inside the structure.
4) Remote parking and shuttles
For certain events, remote lots with shuttle service can be offered or promoted. These can be cost-effective and reduce the number of vehicles right next to the stadium. The trade-off is time, you must queue for a shuttle after the show, and the last-mile can feel slow if thousands are doing the same.
Who they suit: budget-focused visitors, and groups who do not mind waiting together and prefer less driving in heavy traffic.
How early to arrive for Raiders games and concerts
Arrival timing is the single biggest lever you control. Allegiant Stadium security and gate processing can be brisk, but the roads around it are the limiter. Use these practical windows:
Best all-round target: arrive 90 to 120 minutes before kickoff or showtime. This gives you time for lane closures, parking payment checks, and the walk to the gate.
If you need the absolute easiest experience: arrive 2.5 to 3 hours early, park, and then grab food nearby or inside. You will avoid the worst inbound congestion and will not feel rushed through security.
If you are cutting it fine: arriving less than 60 minutes before can still work, but the risk of missing the start rises sharply. You may also be directed into overflow patterns that add time and distance.
Weather matters. In summer heat, plan for water, light clothing, and an extra buffer so you are not walking long distances at the hottest moment.
Entrances and exit strategies that reduce gridlock
The quickest exits rarely come from fighting your way out of the closest aisle. They come from positioning your car so you can reach a major road without multiple conflicting merges. Use these tactics:
Choose an exit direction before you park. Decide whether you are heading north to the Strip, south towards the airport area, or west into residential corridors. Then pick a lot that naturally points you that way.
Prioritise lots with direct routes to I-15. The freeway can clear faster than surface streets once you are on it, even if the entrance ramp is slow. The worst delays often happen when several lots must funnel into one surface intersection.
After the event, wait 10 to 20 minutes. If you are not in a rush, sitting tight and letting the first wave go can save your nerves. Use the time to set navigation, organise passengers, and avoid aggressive stop-and-go.
Use navigation, but do not blindly follow it. Police traffic control can override normal turns. If you miss a turn, continue calmly and let the route update. Sudden lane changes are what cause long standstills.
Park near a lot exit, not near the stadium. A slightly longer walk can deliver a much faster departure.
Tow-away zones and ticket traps to avoid around Allegiant Stadium
Event nights bring strict enforcement. If you are using car hire, the last thing you want is a tow bill and an hours-long recovery process. Avoid these common mistakes:
Do not park in residential streets near the stadium unless explicitly permitted. Many areas have event-day restrictions, permit-only zones, and temporary no-parking signs. Residents also report violations quickly.
Avoid business lots that are not clearly selling event parking. Some businesses tow aggressively once their premises close or if you leave the property. If the terms are not clearly posted, choose another lot.
Never block driveways, hydrants, or service entrances. Even “two minutes” can become a tow on busy nights.
Watch for loading zones and time limits. Short-term bays near commercial areas are actively monitored.
Take photos when you park. Photograph the sign at the lot entrance, your space marker, and your surroundings. It helps you find the car in crowds and provides clarity if a dispute arises.
Practical driving plan for event night
Use this simple sequence to make parking predictable:
1) Set your destination to the car park, not the stadium. Stadium routing can dump you at a blocked approach. Input the lot entrance if you can.
2) Fuel up earlier in the day. Nearby stations get congested before and after events, and prices can jump.
3) Keep your group together at decision points. Agree on a meeting spot in case mobile signal slows or someone gets separated at the gate.
4) Pack for the exit. Have water in the car and a light layer. Leaving can take time, even with a good plan.
5) Consider your vehicle choice. A larger vehicle can be comfortable for groups, but it may be harder in tight lots. If you expect five or more passengers, extra luggage, or a longer drive outside the city, an SUV can make the trip smoother.
Where to park for quickest exit by direction
Because event traffic patterns vary, think in exit goals rather than a single “best lot”.
If you are heading north to the Strip: aim for parking that lets you merge towards the main northbound flow without crossing multiple lanes. Avoid lots that force you to loop west first if your hotel is on the Strip.
If you are heading south towards the airport area: choose a lot that releases you towards the southbound ramps or that avoids the densest Strip-bound merge. This direction can clear faster on some nights because many visitors head north.
If you are heading west to Summerlin or beyond: be wary of small surface intersections. Even if a west-side lot seems convenient, it can take a long time to reach a high-capacity road. Sometimes it is quicker to reach I-15 first, then loop around.
FAQ
Q: How much does Allegiant Stadium parking usually cost?
A: It varies by event, but many official lots fall roughly in the $60 to $150 range, with nearby off-site paid lots often around $30 to $80 depending on demand and distance.
Q: How early should I arrive to park for a Raiders game or concert?
A: Aim to arrive 90 to 120 minutes before kickoff or showtime. For a low-stress experience, 2.5 to 3 hours early helps you avoid the worst inbound congestion.
Q: Which parking choice gives the quickest exit after the event?
A: Lots with straightforward access to I-15 ramps or major connectors usually clear faster than the closest spaces. Parking near a lot exit can beat parking near the stadium gates.
Q: Are there tow-away zones around Allegiant Stadium?
A: Yes. Residential permit areas, signed no-parking zones, business lots without event parking permission, and loading bays are frequent tow targets on event nights.
Q: What is the best way to avoid getting stuck in post-event gridlock?
A: Choose a lot that aligns with your outbound direction, avoid last-minute lane changes, and consider waiting 10 to 20 minutes before leaving to let the first traffic wave pass.
