If you don't mind walking 3 or 4 blocks, park on the street after 6pm and it's free. I've NEVER paid to park for a Rockets or Astros game since the meters are free after 6.
KNOCK ON WOOD/ I park outside the law school around San Jac and Polk every night from 5:30 - 9:30 + and have never had a problem... Now finding a parking spot during the playoffs will be a different story. I am probably skipping class tonight to avoid the mess.
I highly recommend the parking garage (across from Josephine's Italian Restaurant) at the intersection of Dallas & Caroline. $5 parking and it's so easy to get in and out. Less than a 5 minute walk from the Toyota Center.
you can see people pull into parking lots where the street parking is available for free. i dont understand it.
yes to cameras I believe there is a stipulation that says you cant have huge zoom lenses, but regular cameras are fine. and as far as parking I never pay for parking...last time I got there an hour and 15 minutes before tipoff,a nd found a spot right next to the thirty dollar lot in front of the Toybox on the street about 50 yards from the corner by the front entrance. that was luck, I know...but that just goes to show you that free close parking is not a myth. and I have never had my car or truck messed with.
Here's a small map I made of free parking near the Toyota Center. It's just a small diagram of places I found were great to park at back when I was a season ticket holder.
They do allow cameras as long as the lens does not extend to more than 6 inches I believe. I've never had one issue with safety and parking on the street. I have been parking at night in downtown for a long time - well before Minute Maid - because I used to rehearse in the warehouse district. I never had problems even then.
You used to be able to park at the B.U.S., for free, right across(diagonal) from the TC if you went inside and had a drink.
i thought u still could...if not, Im with Jeff....there is safe metered (no need to pay after 6) parking all over the place and within 5 blocks
If you don't mind a short walk, behind (from TC view) Houston House apartments is a $2 lot. The nice part about it is when you leave, you are far enough away from TC traffic isn't an issue. When I've parked closer or in a garage - it's taken twice as long to get out.