What's The Deal With Downtown Knoxville Parking?
- Jared Hagemann
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 12
The parking situation in our car-centric city of Knoxville is currently undergoing a major new change thanks to the city's growth, construction of the new Smokies Stadium/Covenant Health Park, and the growth of events like Big Ears, UT Football, etc.
This year, the city has new plans that overhaul parking through downtown, which you can read about here: https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/residents/streets_traffic_transit/parking
Recently, Knoxville replaced the smart parking meters installed in 2016. Those meters introduced a progression from kiosks, which were, at their time of installation around 2012, the easiest way to implement credit card transactions.
This latest jump into the parking future removes the need for meters or kiosks, replacing that with a mobile internet connection or phone call, and a required credit or debit card.
ParkMobile, launched in 2008, offers a mobile payment solution to hundreds of cities around the country at the expense of a 45¢ transaction fee.
The changes will lead to a overall increase in parking for most people, so here's what's going on.
(If it makes you feel any better, Knoxville parking rates are still extremely cheap for a city)
On Street Parking
The information for parking is listed on new signs (not designed for the height or vision challenged), and, using the ParkMobile smartphone app, website, or listed phone number, as well a credit/debit card (good luck if you don’t have or can’t get a bank account), you'll be able to get your parking squared away.
The amount of street level parking that was previously free and unmetered has been expanded by several blocks, particularly in the Old City, though a grace period has been installed through March 28th.
Rates are increasing for on street parking, with 2-hour max spaces going from $1.50 to $2/hour and 4 & 10--hour max 30¢ to $1/hour, all with the required 45¢ transaction fee.
If you don't pay, you'll be able to rack up three tickets before they're authorized to tow, according to the city. Whether they tow or not remains to be seen. (Oh yeah, fines are increasing to $25)
Garages & Surface Lots
Garage & lot parking remains the same, with two major exceptions - the Old City lot & the Market Square Garage.
The Market Square garage will now charge a flat fee of $3 on Saturdays from 8AM - 6PM, but otherwise the normal free nights and $7 max daily charge remain in place.
The Old City lot, underneath James White Parkway, will be split into lots for the public, Smokies permit-parking & employees, and a free ADA lot.
From talking to the city, it appears that the Old City lot will become paid during the day until 6PM and on Smokies game days/stadium events, though I'm not 100% on this and these changes may not be implemented until April.
The parking plan site mentions "Full Garage Conversion Expected Late 2025," though I have no clue what that means. I'll update when I find more.
Worker Discount Parking Plan
With the increased range of required paid parking and increases in parking rates, the City of Knoxville has a plan to assist downtown workers who will be directly impacted.
To start, workers will have a few options for discounted or free parking.
1) Regardless of income, workers have the option to apply for a $20/month parking pass at the Civic Coliseum & Auditorium Garage A, though it's not clear the requirements. You can apply here: https://www.pkmgr.com/pwparking/RequestParking.php?LID=22
2) Free parking in the Magnolia Ave lots at W Magnolia & Williams (over by the Mill & Mine)
3) An income-based discounted parking pass for the State Street Garage offered by the PBA, where workers must make an annual income at or below 80% of the Knoxville median family income (IE Family of 1, $51k, 2 $58k, etc)
If approved by the program, you get 10 day passes for $18 or 20 for $36.
The kicker is how to apply - you must apply in person during business hours at the PBA office at 535 Clinch Ave (on the Clinch Ave side of the State Street Garage) with proof of income, a letter from your employer, (if you're a new employee, then just a letter), vehicle information, and payment, and once that pass runs out you'll need to get another one in person.
4) The income-based discounted program also works for the Old City North lot (over by the Smokies Stadium), though this pass is $40/month.
Final Thoughts
The City of Knoxville is growing, and with the new stadium, the city has to make accommodations for the predicted influx of vehicles.
Whether or not these plans are a good solution for the city remains to be seen, and the reality is that no parking plan is going to please all the people.
These plans will more directly impact those without access to a mobile phone or a credit/debit card. The garages will still accept cash at this time, so that option remains for many.
What do you think about the new parking plans? Will it impact you visiting Downtown?
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