Free parking at Tinley Park's Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre is headed for the exit. Starting with the 2026 season, fans will have to buy separate parking passes instead of relying on the decades-long perk of on-site parking bundled with their tickets. General, premium, and reserved parking will all require passes, so concert budgets and arrival plans are about to get a little more complicated.
According to WGN-TV, general parking will cost $20 if purchased online ahead of the show and $25 on the day of the event. Premier parking is listed at about $50, reserved spots start near $100, and the venue's "EZ Out" lots begin around $120. WGN's report notes that parking passes must be bought separately from event tickets, and, citing earlier reporting, says this is the first time the venue has charged for parking since it opened in 1990.
What the venue says
On the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre website, the venue now directs guests to purchase parking passes and points them to rideshare and box office options for questions, clearly signaling that parking is no longer bundled with tickets. The site lists customer service and box office phone numbers and invites fans to "Pick Your Parking" through the venue portal. Event pages and ticketing partners have updated language that flags parking as an add-on rather than an automatic inclusion.
When the change takes effect
Ticketing pages show the 2026 season opening in July, with Evanescence on the calendar for July 8, 2026, which means the new parking rules will likely kick in as that season begins. Ticketmaster and other listings for the Evanescence show state that parking is sold separately, backing up the venue's notice. Season-ticket holders and early buyers are urged to check their confirmations closely to see whether any parking upgrades were included.
What fans should know
If you are planning to drive, buying parking in advance will shave a few bucks off the bill. WGN reports that online general parking passes are $20, compared with $25 at the gate, so it pays to plan ahead, especially for big shows. The venue also highlights rideshare options and dedicated pickup areas, which could spare you some of the usual post-show parking lot shuffle. Showing up early and reviewing the venue's parking map and guidance will help you figure out which lot you paid for and where to regroup with your crew once the encore ends.
Bottom line for concertgoers
The move shifts more of the concertgoing tab directly onto fans and brings the Tinley Park amphitheatre in line with many other large outdoor venues that sell parking as an add-on. For now, the takeaway is straightforward: budget for a parking pass, buy it early if you can, or lean on transit and rideshare alternatives. Before you go, double-check the venue's parking page and your ticketing details so there are no surprises between the highway and the opening act.
