By Jeff Bugher
Photo by Jeff Bugher
As football season approaches, the excitement builds on the campus of the University of Wyoming. The thrill of cheering on the Cowboys, the tailgating, and the electric atmosphere of War Memorial Stadium are all part of the game-day experience that makes UW special. Back when I was a new season ticket holder, I didn't know much about where I should park...so I reached out to the Cowboy Joe Club. In this article, I will guide you through the ins and outs of parking at University of Wyoming football games, ensuring that you can focus on enjoying the game while avoiding unnecessary hassles.
For supporters of the Cowboy Joe Club, the official fundraising arm of Wyoming Athletics, there are several parking options available during home games. Each parking area requires a specific donation to secure a spot with the exception of designated free lots and side streets. In this article, I will explore the various donation requirements for football parking, starting from the cheapest option and working my way up. It is important to note that some parking options have waitlists and high demand, but I will talk more about that towards the end of the article. In 2020 UW went away from printed parking passes and game tickets, and now offers digital parking passes that are scanned by lot attendants (with some exceptions). These donation levels are for season parking passes.
Image from https://www.cowboyjoeclub.com/
1. Brown Lot and VA Lot - $100:
At the most affordable end of the spectrum, the Brown Lot offers parking for a donation of $100. The Brown Lot offers a convenient parking spot for fans looking for an economical choice. There are also buses that will pick you up and drop you off at designated locations.
2. Summit View, X Lot, and Summit View RV - $500:
For a slightly higher donation, the Summit View parking area provides an opportunity for fans to park closer to the stadium. This option is perfect for individuals who prefer a shorter walk to the game. Additionally, Summit View RV allows fans with recreational vehicles to enjoy the game-day experience while staying close to the action *You must sign up for a RV Pass, and there is a very long waitlist for these passes. The Summit View Lot is my personal favorite.
3. Ford Stadium, H, IPF RV, Tailgate Alley Stadium Level, and IPF Lots - $1,500:
Moving up the donation ladder, fans can secure parking spots in the Ford Stadium, H, IPF RV, Tailgate Alley Stadium Level and IPF Lots for a $1,500 donation. These lots offer proximity to the stadium, allowing fans to easily access the game and participate in pre-game festivities.
4. Gateway (New for 2023), and Ford Stadium Preferred, and Tailgate Alley Preferred Level- $2,500:
For fans willing to contribute a higher amount including the Gateway, and Ford Stadium Preferred and Tailgate Alley Preferred Level parking areas are available for a $2,500 donation. These lots provide excellent access to the stadium and offer additional amenities and perks, making for a more comfortable game-day experience.
5. Pete's Party Lawn (New for 2023), D Lot, and Tailgate Alley Gold Level - $5,000:
At the top of the donation requirements, Pete's Party Lawn and Tailgate Alley offer premier parking experiences for a $5,000 donation. These exclusive areas provide luxurious amenities, including tailgating spaces, entertainment options, and a vibrant game-day atmosphere. There will be single game Pete's Party Lawn passes available in the coming weeks, stay tuned!
Image from https://www.cowboyjoeclub.com/
Photo by Jeff Bugher
6. AA Lot - $10,000 Donation:
Donate $10,000, and you will get your own spot that includes a sign with your name on it! Plus you get the opportunity to travel with the Pokes to an away game, and much more.
Alternative Free Options:
For fans who may not be able to contribute financially, there are alternative parking options available. Surrounding streets provide free parking, although availability may be limited. Free single game parking is available in the Long-Term Lot (off of 30th), the Aragon Parking Lot (North of Armory Rd.) and in the UW Annex Lot (22nd & Garfield).
ADA - Free:
ADA parking for fans with state issued handicapped parking placards is available in parking lots AA, D, S, FA, H and the Cowboy Field Lot. You must present your placard and display it appropriately while your vehicle is parked. Accessible parking is free and on a first come first served basis. There is an ADA shuttle from the Cowboy Field Lot (off of Willett Drive) during games. The ADA shuttle will begin two hours prior to kickoff and run until 30 minutes after the completion of the game.
Spot Availability:
Priority Parking Allocations at the University of Wyoming are determined by a combination of the donor's current year giving level and their Poke Priority Point total. Donors are required to submit their preferred parking location request by June 15th - we are past the deadline, but you can still donate and submit requests. In the absence of a specific request, a best available parking permit and/or last year's parking allocation will be assigned. It's important to note that parking assignments are subject to availability and are based on priority point status, so there are no guarantees regarding the location of the assigned parking lots. Based on my personal experience, I have purchased Brown Lot, and Summit View Lot parking passes with no waitlist. I have verified that there is a waitlist for Summit View RV spots and some other premium spots too. There's many additional benefits to giving to the Cowboy Joe Club, but I will save that for another article.
What about Poke Priority Points?
Image from CJC Donor Guide
Sounds Great! Where do I sign up?
You can go to www.cowboyjoeclub.com to sign up and donate online. You can also call 307-766-6242. I want to say that the folks at the Cowboy Joe Club have always been so helpful and awesome to work with, and I'm certain you will have the same experience too!
*Open Container lots for 2023 include the AA, Gateway, Pete’s Party Lawn, Ford Stadium Lot, FA, H, IPF, X, Summit View, Cowboy Field, and Brown Lot. The open container policy runs up to kickoff. Parking is available as early as 5:00 PM the day before home football games and can be coordinated by contacting the Cowboy Joe Club office at 307-766-6242. *We are not affiliated or endorsed by the Cowboy Joe Club or the University of Wyoming.
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