Before an event, patrons visit www.dallascowboys
maps.comand enter their ZIP code and designated parking lot. The system displays the recommended route to that lot, as well as a return route. “Unlike onlinemapping sites such asGoogle orMapQuest,
this system provides the best route – as opposed to the most direct route – and guides motorists all the way to their parking lot,” Brooks explained. Instead of directing all traffic to the Interstate 30 exit closest to the stadium– a recipe for gridlock – the system has been modeled to strategically distribute traffic (through specified directions) across 14 exits and the full net- work of arterial roadways and local streets. The database contains maps from more than 400 ZIP codes
within an 50-mile radius of the stadium to any of the 20 parking lots. Maps are updated to account for construction and other potential delays. To make the routing schemes even more effi- cient, PB’s Jonathan Reid developed a traffic signal timing mod- el. During event traffic, area signal timing can be altered to accommodate higher traffic flows on designated routes.
On-Site Improvements To complement the computer systems, Parson Brinckerhoff
developed an operations manual for lot operators. “Every aspect of stadiumaccess must be efficient.” Brooks said. “For example, rather than havingmotorists circulate in the lots to select a space, we use ‘speed parking,’where event staff directs a steady flow of vehicles to park systematically.” Further, PB conducted a building circulation study to evalu-
ate the flowof pedestrians fromthe parking lots into and through- out the stadium.While the stadium was being constructed, PB
recommended widening certain walkways and maximizing cir- culation space in plaza areas to avoid bottlenecks.
ItWorks! Brooks was on hand for the stadium opening’s McEntire-
Strait concert, monitoring traffic flow from a golf cart as fans arrived. “It was an amazingly smooth process,” he said, “espe- cially being the first event at a new stadium with a new park- ing system. “Exit polls indicated thatmore than 72%of people attending
used the
dallascowboysmaps.comwebsite.”The local CBS affili- ate found that “many fans reported being surprised at howeasy it was to park.” PB continued to enhance and publicize the parking system
as the season went on. “The Cowboysmanagement has succeed- ed in developing a stadium that provides an exceptional experi- ence fromthe ride there through the ride home,” Brooks said.
From Parson Brinckerhoff’s in-house bulletin, 2009. PT
EXTENDING THE LIFE of the built environment
Parking Structures Building Envelopes Stadiums
www.walkerrestoration.com 866.972.2640
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FEBRUARY 2010 • PARKING TODAY •
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