The thrill of Monday’s game between the Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres: priceless.
The cost of parking: pricey.
The prevailing rate Monday evening for lots around Coors Field was $40, with at least one as high as $50, showing that free enterprise – or price gouging, depending on your perspective – reigns supreme during sellout games.
“It’s a big game, and prices change depending on the game,” said Tesfayesus Wondim, project manager for Central Parking, whose $30 lot at 18th and Market was below market rates and doing brisk business.
Wondim said it was possible that his and nearby lots could go up to $50 for the sellout crowds coming to Saturday and Sunday playoff games against the Philadelphia Phillies at Coors Field.
The $40 charges Monday were 16 times the typical daily parking rate of $2.50 in the Ballpark neighborhood, according to a June survey commissioned by the Downtown Denver Partnership.
“There’s definitely a big increase in rates around big Rockies games,” said Aylene Quale, transportation and special-projects manager for the partnership.
Kristi McCallum of Littleton, with 4-year-old son Neil in tow, shrugged as she used a credit card to pay her $40 fee at an Ampco lot at 18th and Market.
“Sometimes, you just have to pay the going rate,” she said. “At least we have a spot. If it was my husband with us, we’d still be driving around looking for a free space.”
The city of Denver doesn’t condone it, but some parkers frustrated with the sky-high rates chose to take their chances with a parking meter.
A ticket for overtime meter parking is $25.
“It’s a very unfortunate situation when people do that,” said Denver Public Works spokeswoman Ann Williams. “Parking is such a critical asset for the city. We need to make sure there is turnover at the meters.”
Steve Raabe: 303-954-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com
