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Mpls. parking ramps closed to regulars for Super Bowl

The City of Minneapolis is closing several of its ramps to monthly customers on Super Bowl Sunday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – If you pay monthly to snag a coveted downtown parking spot in a city of Minneapolis owned ramp, that space may not be yours Super Bowl Sunday.

Dianna Anderson, who pays for monthly contract parking in Ramp B, recently noticed a sign warning the ramp will be among several city ramps closed during the Super Bowl, from 3 a.m. to midnight.

The closure presents a problem for Anderson, as she planned to leave her car in the ramp, and take the light rail to the airport for a trip. She said she wishes the City of Minneapolis had done more to notify customers ahead of time instead of posting signs.

“Better communication, sent out notices well beforehand to the monthly parking people because I am having to scramble to find a place to park,” said Anderson. “I am annoyed, I'm frustrated.”

On the Super Bowl website, fans can buy spaces in many shut down ramps, anywhere from $25 to $100 to park on game day, where pre-paid spots are resold for the event.

The City of Minneapolis said in a statement, "due to the uniqueness and size of the Super Bowl 52 events, it has worked with the Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL to reasonably accommodate users and large event parking demands.”

A city spokesperson also told KARE 11 given the Super Bowl is one of the world’s largest events, the city asks for the public’s patience and understanding with this undertaking.

Eight city-owned parking ramps will not allow contract parking and regular customers on Super Bowl Sunday: A, B and C Ramps, Haaf, Leamington, Mill Quarter, Riverfront, 10th and Hennepin.

Some ramps will honor parking contracts on Super Bowl Sunday: Hawthorne, 11th and Harmon, 10th and LaSalle, Vineland, 11th Street Underground (Hilton), 11th and Marquette (Orchestra Hall).

The Convention Center Plaza ramp will not be available for any public parking use from Jan. 26 through Feb. 4.

“I think it makes sense. We are going to be at home watching the game anyways to see all the replays, so not a problem at all,” said Karl Pehler, of Plymouth, who works downtown and pays monthly in Ramp B.

Still, some who pay monthly feel they are left on a losing end of the celebrations.

“It kind of stinks because I was hoping to come down here with some friends and use the spot, and Ubers are going to be expensive, it changes plans a little bit now,” said Xanath Small, who also pays for parking monthly in Ramp B.

Many private ramps will be closed to monthly customers, and some are already closing, to open up 40,000 private spaces to fans.

Customers will be able to check the City website for municipal ramp space availability updates beginning Jan. 26. Go to minneapolismn.gov/parking.

For the 10 days leading up to Super Bowl Sunday (Jan. 26-Feb. 4), the City of Minneapolis says to expect increased parking activity downtown due to related events at the Convention Center, Nicollet Mall, Target Center, and U.S. Bank Stadium.

Event rates will apply at city ramps as they typically would during other large events beginning 10 days before the event. Parking meters may also have event rates and may be limited downtown in certain areas close to the event.

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