Parking Meter Changes Could Take Some Concert-Goers Off Guard
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- With two big concerts in town this weekend, plenty of people made their way into Pittsburgh Saturday night.
Over at the CONSOL Energy Center, soul, jazz and R&B singer Sade performed along with John Legend. On the North Shore at Heinz Field, country pop star Taylor Swift took the stage.
The country singer is one of the hottest acts in the country, and going to her concert was expensive, in some cases $100 for tickets and $35 to $40 for parking. That's why some concert-goers couldn't believe their luck when they found open parking meters on nearby streets.
"I [saw] parking for $40, $35. So, that's pretty outrageous," said Jesse Vargo, of Pittsburgh.
"We thought it was free, and we didn't want to get stuck in the traffic in a parking lot, so we wanted to get out of town quick," said Janet Yenthik, of Peters Township.
They thought it was free because signs say meters are enforced until 6 p.m. However, a couple of weeks ago, Pittsburgh changed that to 10 p.m., even on Saturday nights, which caught people by surprise.
The fine is $20 on the North Shore, and $30 downtown
Christie Fower, of Sewickley, put in enough coins to take her past 6 p.m.
"It doesn't state anywhere that they enforce till 10, so I would definitely contest it," said Fower. "A $20 fine is cheaper than $40 to park."
She took the chance, but others decided to move on.
"Well, since I'm not driving we'll probably go the safe route and park in the lot and have to eat the cost, I suppose," said Jim Bill, of Peters Township.
Parking could be problem again next month when another country superstar, Kenny Chesney, comes to town for a concert at Heinz Field and the Three Rivers Regatta opens on the rivers on Saturday, July 2.
RELATED LINKS:
City of Pittsburgh
More on the parking meter changers
More Local News
FOLLOW US:
KDKA On Facebook
KDKA On Twitter
Follow KDKA Personalities
