Parking at Will Rogers Memorial Complex

May 6, 2010

Dear NCHA Member,

On May 1, the City of Fort Worth implemented new year-round parking fees which affect the Cultural District, including Will Rogers Memorial Complex, where NCHA's Triple Crown events and other major horse and livestock shows are held. The new rates for surface and underground parking are dedicated to paying for the new, multi-level Western Heritage Garage that is now open at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. The City of Fort Worth has felt that the Will Rogers complex did not have sufficient parking to service the many events they host throughout the year, and the construction of the new five-level garage is their effort to address the needs of the many users of the facilities. In order to pay for the new garage, the City is implementing paid parking throughout the entire complex, not just in the new garage. All parking fees go to pay for the new garage. None of the fees are going to the NCHA, or to any other project being conducted by the City.

NCHA has held numerous meetings with City officials as we seek ways to minimize the impact of the Will Rogers complex going to “paid parking.” We certainly realize that paid parking affects the many people (contestants, spectators, vendors and all the other folks) who help make our shows a success. The NCHA has an excellent relationship with the City in many areas, and through the support of the City of Fort Worth the purses for our Triple Crown events are far larger than they would be without that support. While no one at NCHA is a “fan” of going to paid parking, we are trying to positively work with this reality and be good partners to the City, while still representing the best interests of all the people who participate in and support the Triple Crown events.

We are continuing to meet with City officials to see if there are additional ways to soften the impact of paid parking on NCHA show participants and spectators. Our next meeting with the City is scheduled for May 21, and we will be updating you on any new developments. But the reality is we need to be prepared for paid parking beginning with the 2010 NCHA Summer Spectacular, and as of today, here are some of the points to be aware of:

  • In general, parking at Will Rogers, in any surface lot or garage - will now cost $5, with in/out privileges for the day. Additionally, multiple day passes should be available for purchase by exhibitors, contestants, vendors and event sponsors to allow in/out access during the entire length of a specified event. Rates will be based on the expected demand at the entire facility and the expected number of times that a particular parking space may be turned during an event.
  • Parking in the lot at the southeast corner of Harley Ave. and Montgomery St. will be $3.
  • Short-term parking in the new Western Heritage Garage only (maximum 90 minutes) will be $2 with validation from a participating Cultural District venue. After 90 minutes, parking in the Western Heritage Garage will be charged the full $5 rate (short term validation not applicable).
  • Gates will be attended and/or automated.
  • Cash, Debit, and Credit cards will be accepted for payment. You may also pre-pay, online, for your parking by visiting www.culturaldistrictparking.com.
  • Cultural District visitors may also park at no charge in the University of North Texas Health Science Center lot (on the northwest corner of Clifton Street and Camp Bowie Boulevard) after 5 p.m. and on weekends.
  • For the time being, street parking on Will Rogers St. and Van Cliburn Way remains free.

For more information, visit: www.culturaldistrictparking.com or contact the City of Fort Worth Communications Office at 817-392-6178.

One somewhat related positive note is the the City of Fort Worth will soon begin construction on several enhancements to the Will Rogers Complex that will definitely be a benefit to the NCHA. These planned improvements include a new multi-level stall/exercise arena building near the Watt Arena and Justin Arena, and a tunnel connecting the Justin and Watt Arenas that we can utilize for the movement of cattle. There will also be updates made to the Will Rogers Coliseum to make it more "customer friendly" for spectators and show contestants.

As we strive to find ways to minimize the effects of this transition to paid parking at Will Rogers Memorial Complex, NCHA will keep members updated on any developments via e-mail and online postings. Thank you for understanding and for your support of NCHA events. Paid parking at Will Rogers may be one of those “realities of life” that we don’t necessarily like, but that we can deal with in a considerate way and continue to work on in the best interest of the membership. If you have any ideas that might be helpful to us in our continued discussions with City officials on this matter, we welcome your input.

Sincerely,
Jeff Hooper
NCHA Executive Director
jhooper@nchacutting.com