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Events & Conference Services
Rutgers logo
Events & Conference Services

How To Reserve Event Parking

Important: ECS Does Not Coordinate Parking

Events & Conference Services (ECS) does not arrange or secure parking for events. All organizers—internal and external—must coordinate parking directly with Rutgers University Department of Transportation Services (RU DOTS).

ECS cannot submit parking requests, follow up on approvals, or intervene in RU DOTS parking decisions.


Determine Your Parking Needs

Before contacting RU DOTS, identify:

  • Event date(s) and time(s)

  • Event location (PRCC, RBG, Express Newark, etc.)

  • Estimated number of vehicles

  • Whether attendees are affiliated (faculty, staff, students) or non-affiliated guests

  • Bus or oversized vehicle needs (if applicable)

Parking availability—especially on weekdays—is highly restricted. Large-volume requests may be denied.


Special Event Parking (10 or More Attendees)

Special Event Parking is intended for events with ten (10) or more registered attendees, particularly when non-affiliated guests are attending.

This option is not available for:

  • Recurring weekly or biweekly meetings

  • Standard departmental meetings

  • Faculty, staff, or student-only gatherings

All Special Event Parking arrangements must be completed before distributing parking instructions to attendees.

Distribution of unauthorized parking information may result in citations.


Rutgers-Affiliated Hosts (Departments)

Rutgers departments must submit the required Special Event Parking request form directly through RU DOTS.

  • Requests must be submitted at least five (5) business days before the event.

  • Approved requests are typically processed within five (5) business days.

  • If approved, RU DOTS will provide a parking registration link.

Event organizers are responsible for distributing the official parking registration link provided by RU DOTS to their guests.

Each visitor must register their vehicle in advance using the RU DOTS registration link before parking in the assigned location.

Failure to use the official registration link may result in citations. Event attendees are responsible for any citations issued. ECS cannot intervene in, waive, or assist with parking citations.

Faculty, staff, and students must park according to their existing permit category unless officially registered for event parking.

For full details and submission instructions, visit:
https://ipo.rutgers.edu/parking/events


Non-Affiliated / External Clients

External clients must email their Special Event Parking request directly to:

dotshelp@rutgers.edu

Include:

  • Event name

  • Event location

  • Event date and start/end time

  • Estimated number of vehicles

  • Event coordinator contact information

If approved, RU DOTS will issue a written confirmation and provide a parking registration link.

Event organizers are responsible for sending the official RU DOTS registration link to their guests.

Each visitor must register their vehicle in advance using the provided registration link before parking.

Failure to use the official registration link may result in citations. Event attendees are responsible for any citations issued. ECS cannot intervene in, waive, or assist with parking citations.

ECS does not coordinate or manage this process.


Department One-Day Permits (Rutgers Departments Only)

Rutgers departments may issue Department One-Day permits for invited guests who are not affiliated with the university.

Faculty, staff, and students may not use Department One-Day permits and must park according to their assigned permit category.

Departments must complete the required RU DOTS request form in advance to obtain these permits.

For full details and permit instructions, visit:
https://ipo.rutgers.edu/parking/events


Visitor Parking (Individual Arrangements)

Individuals attending an event may arrange their own parking directly through the RU DOTS parking portal:

https://parkingbase.com/c/rutgers/login

Visitor parking locations, availability, and current rates are managed by RU DOTS and are subject to change.

Attendees are responsible for registering their vehicle in advance and complying with all RU DOTS parking regulations. ECS cannot assist with visitor parking issues or citations.


PRCC Metered Space Exception (Limited)

For events at the Paul Robeson Campus Center (PRCC), up to five (5) metered spaces on MLK Blvd may be taped off for approved events.

  • Requests must be submitted through ECS during event planning.

  • When approved, Rutgers University Police Department (RUPD) will tape off the designated spaces.

  • Meters must still be paid even if taped off.

  • This process is separate from RU DOTS event parking.


Off-Campus Parking Options

Due to limited weekday availability, organizers are strongly encouraged to explore nearby public garages and off-campus parking options for larger events.

ECS maintains a list of nearby garages upon request.


Final Reminder

All parking arrangements must be completed directly with Rutgers University Department of Transportation Services (RU DOTS) before communicating instructions to event attendees.