What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?

Coastal Credit Union Music Park (originally named Walnut Creek Amphitheatre and formerly Alltel Pavilion) is an outdoor amphitheater located in Raleigh, North Carolina, United States, that specializes in hosting large concerts.

The amphitheater is part of a 77-acre (310,000 m2) complex, located on the west bank of Walnut Creek, southeast of Raleigh, near the I-40/US 64/I-440 (Beltline) interchange.

It was built by the City of Raleigh, with private sector participation, at a cost of $13.5 million and opened on July 4, 1991, with the Connells as the inaugural act.

Seating capacity is about 6,847, of which about half are under cover; the open lawn can accommodate another 13,653.

The venue is operated by Live Nation Entertainment, a concert promoting company, under lease from the City of Raleigh.

I'm going to see Dead and Company tomorrow at Walnut Creek. I've been to a few shows there before, but didn't spend much time in the parking lot. Do they allow you to setup grills in the parking lot? I have a small propane hibachi that I thought would be great to cook up a few brats before the show. I have been to other venues where they don't allow grills in that past, so I wasn't sure about Walnut Creek.

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 08:48 AM

3,306 posts, read 7,342,858 times

There are 9 lots adjacent to amphitheater. There is no payment for parking when you arrive at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. Premier parking, close to the gates, is available for $30 per car. RV's and oversized vehicle parking is available for $90 per vehicle. Parking will generally open 1 hour prior to gate time.

Tailgating - There is a City of Raleigh open container ordinance that is in effect in all parking lots. This city ordinance specifically prohibits open containers of beer or wine. The state of North Carolina laws also restrict open consumption of liquor of any kind. Officers from the Raleigh Police Department, Wake County and State of North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Commissions regularly patrol parking lots.

Cars must occupy only one parking space. Grills are not permitted on sidewalks, in roadways, near buildings, or in any area where guests or property may be damaged. Glass bottles are discouraged.

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 08:51 AM

5,280 posts, read 6,029,166 times

Originally Posted by JustMeEC

I'm going to see Dead and Company tomorrow at Walnut Creek. I've been to a few shows there before, but didn't spend much time in the parking lot. Do they allow you to setup grills in the parking lot? I have a small propane hibachi that I thought would be great to cook up a few brats before the show. I have been to other venues where they don't allow grills in that past, so I wasn't sure about Walnut Creek.


I don't see a definition of picnic, but they do state they are allowed.

Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
"Picnics are welcome before the show, and alcoholic drinks are available within the venue."

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 09:16 AM

3,306 posts, read 7,342,858 times

Originally Posted by don6170

I don't see a definition of picnic, but they do state they are allowed.

Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
"Picnics are welcome before the show, and alcoholic drinks are available within the venue."

That website is a fan site and not the official Live Nation venue site, btw.

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 10:01 AM

586 posts, read 616,228 times

Originally Posted by Dire Wolf

Hmmm.

“Grills are not permitted on sidewalks, in roadways, near buildings, or in any area where guests or property may be damaged. “

I wonder if the parking lot is considered roadway.

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 10:03 AM

10,753 posts, read 7,451,363 times

I'd imagine that if you are "just grilling" at a parking lot of Dead show (if it's ANYTHING like it was in the 80's), that you will fly far under the radar, and won't have problems. Watch your open containers, and make sure the only detectable smoke coming from your space is off of the grill, and any LEO's will be way too busy to pay you any attention.

I hope you enjoy the show. I really wanted to want to go, but I have not been able to bring myself to see this particular post-Jerry ensemble. I know it will be a great show, and a great time. Kinda wish I was going, but won't be there. Have fun, and be safe out there.

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 10:19 AM

586 posts, read 616,228 times

Originally Posted by Myghost

I'd imagine that if you are "just grilling" at a parking lot of Dead show (if it's ANYTHING like it was in the 80's), that you will fly far under the radar, and won't have problems. Watch your open containers, and make sure the only detectable smoke coming from your space is off of the grill, and any LEO's will be way too busy to pay you any attention.

I hope you enjoy the show. I really wanted to want to go, but I have not been able to bring myself to see this particular post-Jerry ensemble. I know it will be a great show, and a great time. Kinda wish I was going, but won't be there. Have fun, and be safe out there.

That's a good point. Compared to much of the parking lot I'm sure, we'll be under the radar. Just some brats to keep it simple. Travel mugs with lids. I doubt they'll worry about us.

Thanks so much for the well wishes! I never had a chance to see them. I had tickets for two nights in Sept '95, but alas, it was a month too late. Always regretted not trying to see them earlier. Once I saw they were coming this month, I jumped at the tickets. It's the closest I'll ever get.

If you change your mind, there are still lawn tickets available...and it's going to be a beautiful night!

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 10:40 AM

10,753 posts, read 7,451,363 times

Originally Posted by JustMeEC

That's a good point. Compared to much of the parking lot I'm sure, we'll be under the radar. Just some brats to keep it simple. Travel mugs with lids. I doubt they'll worry about us.

Thanks so much for the well wishes! I never had a chance to see them. I had tickets for two nights in Sept '95, but alas, it was a month too late. Always regretted not trying to see them earlier. Once I saw they were coming this month, I jumped at the tickets. It's the closest I'll ever get.

If you change your mind, there are still lawn tickets available...and it's going to be a beautiful night!

You'll have a blast. Music will be great, and the people that attend are cool. I saw them many times between 84 and 95, but honestly, once Brent Mydland Died in 1990 (keyboardist), it was more downhill than up from there. Alas, I was too young to see them in their absolute prime. Thank goodness for Betty Cantor is all I have to say.

Would love to hear back from you after the show. I'll bet you have a wonderful time!

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 11:13 AM

53 posts, read 123,130 times

I’ve never been to Walnut Creek, so I don’t have any info, but I cannot wait for the show! Last show I went to was Summer of ‘95. We were supposed to go to the Boston Garden shows in Sept ‘95 (had just received our tickets in the mail), but of course that didn’t happen. I was also to young to see them in their prime.

Should be a great show and great weather!!! Enjoy!!!!

What time is early parking at Walnut Creek Amphitheater?
06-08-2018, 11:52 AM

255 posts, read 268,766 times

I've been to many shows at Walnut Creek over the years. The rules are posted onsite and online. That said, I've seen plenty of grilling, open containers and other shenanigans at all kinds of shows. The biggest favor you can do for yourself is to simply be respectful in every way - to the property, to fellow concert-goers, to personnel working the event and authorities at the event. Clean up after yourself!

There will surely be a Shakedown Street somewhere - they always have all kinds of food prep, grills and other types of cooking. The venue and authorities understand what's coming tomorrow night, there are lines they won't tolerate crossing and that's where their attention will be, for the most part.

This will be my first post-Jerry Dead Show of any kind, attended many shows 1985-1995. I have my reservations about what I'm going to hear there but feel that the music played by the current band will be phenomenal! Mayer owns the guitar, I'm sure he'll do Jerry proud. Burbidge and Chementi, well, there's no doubt they can bring it, should be a great show and a beautiful night!

How early should I get to Walnut Creek Amphitheater?

Get to the exit point at least 1-2 hrs before the start of the show you are attending to avoid traffic delays that can occur for some events. With nine parking lots at the venue there is plenty of space for attendees and parking is including when you buy a ticket.

Does Walnut Creek have a clear bag policy?

If you have any items that are not allowed into the venue, please return them to your vehicle. To reduce staff contact with guest belongings, we have implemented the following bag policy: we will allow clear plastic, vinyl or PVC tote bags no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” and/or small clutch bags (4.5”x 6.5”).

How much is premier parking at Walnut Creek?

There are nine parking lots near the venue and parking is included with the purchase of a ticket. Those who would like Premier parking must pay a $20 fee. The Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Parking 2023 event schedule includes Matchbox Twenty Parking and Dead and Company Parking.

Where is premier parking at Walnut Creek?

What are the parking options at Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek? Parking is available in the nine lots at the venue, and the fee is included in the ticket price. Premier parking near the gates is also available, and accessible parking is located outside the box office in Lot C.