Tom Gola Arena Parking Guide
Finding Tom Gola Arena parking requires a different plan than driving to a downtown professional sports complex. Located inside the TruMark Financial Center (John Glaser Athletic Center) on the compact urban campus of La Salle University in Northwest Philadelphia, the arena sits surrounded by academic buildings, residence halls, and neighborhood streets. Visitors often worry about campus security gates, student decal restrictions, event parking fees, and towing rules.
For most basketball games and university athletic events, your best choice is to park in the official surface lots on the La Salle campus. The primary areas are the TruMark Financial Center Lot along 20th Street and the Shoemaker Lot or North Campus surface lots off Olney Avenue. General parking for Olympic sports and women's basketball is typically free, while men's basketball games range from free admission to an event charge of roughly $10 to $15 depending on the opponent and lot tier. If campus lots reach capacity during high-profile Philadelphia Big 5 rivalries, university public safety staff will route overflow traffic to South Campus lots. When specific game policies are not posted online in advance, check directly with La Salle Athletics before you drive.
Parking Snapshot: Quick Answer Before You Go
Official parking for Tom Gola Arena is located directly on La Salle University's campus. Primary access is via North 20th Street and Olney Avenue, with options ranging from complimentary parking to low-cost event fees depending on the sport.
Official Source Verification
Parking information can change by event, date, traffic control, construction, operator, or season. VenueGuideHQ checks the latest available official source before publishing each guide.
How We Check Parking Information
University venues do not operate like large commercial entertainment facilities. Third-party parking booking applications frequently show zero spaces available in the area simply because university-owned parking is managed internally by campus safety teams.
We gather information directly from official athletic game-day advisories, university campus parking regulations, and local transit networks. We separate confirmed physical realities-such as designated disabled spaces, entry gates, and rail connections-from variable policies like single-game parking prices and donor lot setups. When an official policy changes between non-conference play and high-demand rivalry games, we highlight that uncertainty so you are not surprised when arriving at the gate.
Official Parking Overview
Tom Gola Arena serves as the home court for La Salle Explorers Men's and Women's Basketball (NCAA Division I, Atlantic 10 Conference). With an intimate capacity of roughly 3,400, the arena provides close-up views of top collegiate basketball. The arena itself is located within the TruMark Financial Center (historically known as Hayman Hall) near the intersection of 20th Street and Olney Avenue.
Because the arena sits on an active college campus, parking operations must balance event traffic with daily university life. Unlike standalone city arenas, parking here consists of paved surface lots rather than large parking garages. University Public Safety officers manage campus access points on game days. They check tickets, issue passes, collect parking fees when applicable, and guide vehicles into open stalls.
During typical game days, standard student parking decal rules are adjusted in designated event lots. Visitors attending games do not need an everyday student or staff permit, provided they park in the designated athletic event lots and follow public safety instructions.
Best Parking Options for Most Visitors
Compare the main parking locations on and around the La Salle University campus based on walking distance, convenience, and crowd levels.
TruMark Financial Center Lot
Best for: Fans needing the shortest walk and accessible parking
- Located directly off North 20th Street adjacent to the arena doors
- Houses primary accessible (ADA) stalls and athletic donor spaces
- Fills quickly on game days with early arrivals and pass-holders
Shoemaker / North Campus Lots
Best for: General public spectators and peak arrivals
- Situated along 20th Street and Olney Avenue across from the arena
- Comfortable 3 to 5-minute walk along paved campus pathways
- Standard parking location recommended by safety officers
South Campus Overflow Lots
Best for: Sellout rivalry matchups and late arrivals
- Located south of Lindley Avenue near the Shoppes at La Salle
- Involves a 6 to 8-minute walk across the main campus
- Provides ample capacity when main athletic lots reach capacity
SEPTA Public Transit
Best for: Fans traveling from Center City without a car
- Subway ride to Olney Transportation Center via Broad Street Line
- Short walk or quick transfer bus ride directly to campus gates
- Bypasses post-game vehicle lines onto 20th Street completely
Parking Prices and Payment
Parking fees at Tom Gola Arena depend heavily on the specific athletic event and attendance demand. The university maintains a fan-friendly parking structure compared to professional sports venues in South Philadelphia.
| Event Type | Best for | Key note |
|---|---|---|
| Women's Basketball & Olympic Sports | General spectators | Generally free parking in designated campus surface lots. |
| Men's Basketball (Standard Non-Conference) | Single-game ticket holders | Often free or a nominal $10 gate fee depending on the matchup. |
| Men's Basketball (Atlantic 10 & Big 5) | Rivalry game attendees | Typically $10 to $15 at the gate; donor lots require valid credentials. |
| University Commencements & Special Events | Graduation guests | Usually complimentary, with public safety routing to overflow areas. |
When gate fees apply, parking operations generally accept credit cards and debit cards at the main 20th Street entrance. However, because payment hardware and network setups can change, carrying backup cash is a sensible precaution.
Prepaid parking passes are usually sold directly through the La Salle Athletics ticket office as part of season ticket packages or special game bundles, rather than on open third-party platforms. If your ticket package includes a parking permit, keep it visible on your dashboard or ready on your mobile device as you approach the security guard post on 20th Street.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available directly adjacent to the TruMark Financial Center. These designated spaces are located in the surface lot immediately fronting the athletic facility entrance off North 20th Street.
To park in these spaces, vehicles must display a valid, state-issued disability placard or license plate. Accessible spaces are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Because space near the front doors is limited, arriving 45 to 60 minutes before tip-off is strongly advised.
The walkway from the primary accessible stalls into the TruMark Financial Center concourse features curb cuts, paved walkways, and ramp access. An elevator inside the complex connects the building entry level to the main seating concourse of Tom Gola Arena.
If all designated accessible spaces are occupied upon arrival, speak with the campus safety attendant at the 20th Street gate. Drivers are typically allowed to drop off guests with limited mobility at the building loop before being directed to an open space in an adjacent general lot.
Rideshare and Drop-Off
Using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft is a convenient way to reach Tom Gola Arena without worrying about campus lot availability.
- Primary Drop-Off Address: Set your destination pin to 1900 W Olney Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19141 or use the TruMark Financial Center entrance on North 20th Street.
- Drop-Off Advice: Request that your driver pull up along the curb on 20th Street near the main athletic entrance or into the designated campus entrance turnoff. Avoid directing your driver into narrow internal campus pathways or service roads, as bollards and pedestrian gates block through-traffic.
- Post-Game Pickup Strategy: After the game ends, the intersection of 20th Street and Olney Avenue experiences sudden congestion as pedestrians and cars exit simultaneously. For a faster pickup, walk one block east toward Olney Avenue or toward the main campus quad to meet your driver away from the primary parking exit gate.
Public Transit and Shuttle Options
La Salle University is well-connected to Philadelphia's public transit network, operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). Choosing transit allows you to avoid driving through Northwest Philadelphia traffic and saves on parking fees. Similar to planning transit for venues like Madison Square Garden parking or Barclays Center parking, taking the train eliminates event congestion.
SEPTA Broad Street Line (Subway)
The Broad Street Line (BSL) provides direct subway service connecting Center City Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia.
- Take any Northbound Local or Express train to the northern terminal: Olney Transportation Center.
- From Olney Station, Tom Gola Arena is roughly six blocks away. You can walk west along Olney Avenue to 20th Street in about 10 to 12 minutes.
- If you prefer not to walk, transfer at Olney Station to SEPTA Bus Route 18 or Route 26, which drops off directly at Olney Avenue and 20th Street in roughly 3 minutes.
SEPTA Regional Rail
If you are traveling from suburban Montgomery County or Center City via regional rail:
- Take the Chestnut Hill East Line to Wister Station.
- From Wister Station, walk north along Baynton Street to Olney Avenue, then head east to the 20th Street campus entrance. The walk takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes.
Campus shuttles operate primarily for students and university staff between campus buildings and are not designated as public game-day shuttles. Visitors should rely on walking or local SEPTA transit connections.
What to Do if Parking Is Full
While Tom Gola Arena has a manageable crowd size, sellouts against city rivals or commencement events can fill primary campus lots. If the main TruMark and Shoemaker lots are full, follow these practical alternatives:
1. Follow Campus Safety Diversions
La Salle University Public Safety officers actively monitor stall capacity. If the lots off 20th Street reach capacity, officers will divert incoming cars south along 20th Street toward South Campus parking areas near Lindley Avenue and the Shoppes at La Salle. Always follow the directions of campus personnel rather than searching for random campus spots on your own.
2. South Campus Surface Lots
The South Campus surface parking lots offer substantial overflow capacity. Located near Chew Avenue and Lindley Avenue, these lots require a modest 6 to 8-minute walk across the central campus quad to reach the arena doors. The walkways are paved, well-lit, and monitored by campus security.
3. Understanding Street Parking Realities
Some street parking exists along Olney Avenue, 20th Street, and surrounding neighborhood blocks. However, street parking carries distinct trade-offs:
- Enforcement: The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) actively enforces parking rules in Northwest Philadelphia. Vehicles parked within 15 feet of fire hydrants, blocking driveways, or stopped in red transit zones will be ticketed or towed.
- Permit Zones: Certain nearby residential blocks require residential parking permits. Always inspect street signs carefully before leaving your vehicle.
- Safety: Official campus lots offer dedicated lighting, emergency call boxes, and on-site security patrols that public neighborhood streets do not match. Whenever possible, wait in line for official university parking rather than parking off-campus.
Day-of Parking Tips From VenueGuideHQ
Make your arrival at Tom Gola Arena smooth by using these proven game-day driving and parking practices.
- Arrive 45 to 60 minutes before tip-off. Getting to campus early allows you to claim spaces in the primary 20th Street lots before they fill and avoids the last-minute crush at the entry gate.
- Enter directly from North 20th Street. Set your GPS to navigate toward the 20th Street athletic gate rather than generic campus coordinates to avoid ending up at gated pedestrian pathways.
- Pre-download your game tickets and mobile parking passes. Mobile data connections can slow down around athletic facilities when crowds gather, so save your barcodes to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet beforehand.
- Keep backup cash alongside your payment card. While campus parking gates usually process cards, backup cash ensures you are not delayed if handheld card readers suffer network connectivity issues.
- Watch for heavy pedestrian foot traffic on campus roads. Students and fans frequently cross 20th Street and Olney Avenue; drive slowly and obey all campus crossing guards.
- Plan your exit route toward Broad Street or Roosevelt Boulevard. Following event attendants directing traffic toward major thoroughfares prevents you from getting turned around on narrow residential side streets after the game.
Category-Specific Arrival Tips: College Campus Arenas
Attending a college basketball game on an urban campus involves different logistical factors than driving to a major professional arena like the TD Garden parking guide covers. Keep these campus-specific details in mind:
- Academic Class Overlap: Weekday evening games often coincide with evening college classes and student commuter departures. Parking lots may experience higher activity around 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM as evening students arrive. Giving yourself an extra 15 minutes accounts for shared student traffic.
- Campus Speed Limits and Crosswalks: Campus drives and immediate perimeter streets have strictly enforced low speed limits (typically 15 to 20 mph). Stop completely at all pedestrian crosswalks, as campus public safety strictly enforces pedestrian right-of-way.
- Building Navigation: Tom Gola Arena is situated within the larger athletic center structure. Look for the prominent glass facade and athletic department signage along 20th Street to locate the main public ticket box office and arena concourse doors.
Before You Go Checklist
Review this quick checklist before getting behind the wheel to ensure a hassle-free trip to La Salle:
- Confirm the exact tip-off time and note when arena doors open (usually 60 minutes prior to game time).
- Check whether your ticket package includes a reserved donor parking pass or if you need to pay at the gate.
- Prepare both a credit card and backup cash for parking fees.
- Save your game tickets and parking passes offline on your smartphone.
- Set your navigation system specifically to 1900 W Olney Ave or the TruMark Financial Center on North 20th Street.
- Verify if any severe weather or university events have shifted campus parking arrangements on GoExplorers.com.
- Place your state-issued disability placard on your rearview mirror if using accessible spaces.
- Review university arena policies regarding bags, as large backpacks are generally prohibited.
- Note your parked lot name or nearby campus landmark before entering the arena.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do visitors park for Tom Gola Arena?
Visitors attending games at Tom Gola Arena park in the official surface parking lots on the La Salle University campus. The primary parking facility is the TruMark Financial Center Lot located directly off North 20th Street, along with the nearby Shoemaker Lot and North Campus surface lots along Olney Avenue.
How much does parking cost at Tom Gola Arena?
Parking fees vary depending on the sport and game demand. General parking for women's basketball and Olympic sports is typically free. For men's basketball, single-game parking generally ranges from free to $10 or $15 at the gate, while season ticket holders and Explorer Club members often receive dedicated passes.
Do I need a university parking permit to attend a basketball game?
No, general visitors do not need an everyday student or faculty parking permit to attend athletic events at Tom Gola Arena. During scheduled game windows, campus public safety attendants staff the entrances, collect any applicable event fees, and direct ticket holders into authorized visitor spaces.
Is there accessible ADA parking at Tom Gola Arena?
Yes, accessible parking spaces are located in the paved surface lot directly in front of the TruMark Financial Center entrance off North 20th Street. A valid state-issued disability placard or license plate is required to park in these designated stalls, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is the best rideshare drop-off point for the arena?
The most convenient rideshare drop-off location is along North 20th Street directly in front of the TruMark Financial Center entrance, or at 1900 W Olney Avenue. Instruct your driver not to turn into internal campus service alleys, and consider walking to Olney Avenue after the game for a quicker pickup.
Can I take the SEPTA subway to Tom Gola Arena?
Yes. You can take the SEPTA Broad Street Line (BSL) north to the Olney Transportation Center. From there, the arena is a 10 to 12-minute walk west along Olney Avenue, or a short 3-minute ride on SEPTA Bus Route 18 or Route 26.
Which SEPTA Regional Rail station is closest to La Salle University?
The closest Regional Rail station is Wister Station on the Chestnut Hill East Line. From Wister Station, it is an 8 to 10-minute walk east along Baynton Street and Olney Avenue to the main campus entrance at 20th Street.
How early should I arrive for a La Salle basketball game?
Aim to arrive on campus 45 to 60 minutes before tip-off. This provides plenty of time to clear the security gate on 20th Street, park in the primary lots before they reach capacity, walk to the arena concourse, and find your seats.
Is free street parking available near Tom Gola Arena?
Limited street parking exists along sections of Olney Avenue, 20th Street, and Chew Avenue. However, parking on neighborhood streets exposes visitors to strict Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) ticketing, residential permit rules, and limited security. Parking in gated, monitored campus lots is strongly recommended.
What happens if the main 20th Street parking lots are full?
If the primary athletic lots reach capacity during high-demand games, La Salle University Public Safety personnel stationed at campus gates will direct vehicles to South Campus overflow parking lots located near Lindley Avenue and the Shoppes at La Salle.
Conclusion
Catching an Atlantic 10 basketball game at Tom Gola Arena offers an exciting, close-to-the-action college sports experience. While navigating a compact urban university campus requires some preparation, parking is straightforward when you target the official campus surface lots along North 20th Street and Olney Avenue. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes early ensures access to the closest spaces and avoids gate bottlenecks. Alternatively, taking the SEPTA Broad Street Line or Regional Rail lets you bypass driving and parking entirely. Always verify game-day parking updates on the official La Salle Athletics website before heading out.
Parking information can change by event, date, season, traffic control, construction, and parking operator. Always confirm the latest parking details on the official venue, airport, park, attraction, city, transportation, parking operator, organizer, or event website before you leave. Information is checked for 2026 where available, but official sources should always be treated as the final authority.
