Taylor Swift concert-goers urged to secure parking early

Taylor Swift fans planning to see her perform at Winnipeg's new stadium this month are being urged to secure their on-site parking spots sooner rather than later.

There will be 4,200 parking spaces available at Investors Group Field for the upwards of 33,000 people who are expected to attend the June 22 concert, according to True North Sports and Entertainment.

True North has emailed ticket holders in recent days, inviting them to purchase on-site parking passes for $20 each.

"Quantities are limited and spots are expected to sell out. Don't miss your chance to park nearby! Get yours today!" True North's email reads in part.

Parking will be banned on nearby residential streets on the day of the concert, and there will be no free shuttle service to and from the stadium.

If the on-site parking is sold out that night, fans will have to find parking elsewhere, such as on Pembina Highway.

Officials are encouraging concert-goers to take Winnipeg Transit buses to the stadium or drive there in carpools.

Julie Abuel, who will be driving with her younger sister from Brandon to Winnipeg, says she's disappointed to hear she'll have to pay $20 to park near the stadium.

"I think it's very expensive, and now I have to pay another extra along with my gas," she said.

"I know that city parking [is] really expensive, but I think that one'svery expensive for a few hours of parking."

More parking than at old stadium: official

The Taylor Swift concert is one of the first bigshows to be held at Investors Group Field,the new home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

The stadium, located on the University of Manitoba campus in south Winnipeg,will also play host to ex-Beatle Paul McCartney on Aug. 12.

True North vice-president Kevin Donnelly said those going to see Taylor Swift can park at the stadium site as early as 2 p.m., several hours in advance of the concert.

That gives fans more advance parking time than what's allowed at Bombers home games, when fans can park there no earlier than 90 minutes prior to game time, he said.

Donnelly noted that Investors Group Field has four times as many parking spaces as the Bombers' former home base.

"It is significantly better that what we're all used to from Canad Inns Stadium, where there was only 1,100 spots," he said.

Abuel said despite the cost, she will pay the $20 to avoid the long walk back to her car after the concert.

"For safety reasons, I'm going to buy the parking pass," she said.