Our Methodology - How ParkingRank Scores Exits
ParkingRank is the only parking guide that focuses on one thing: how fast you can actually leave after the game. Here's exactly how we score every exit.
The Exit Scoring System
Every garage exit is scored 0-10 based on these factors:
1. Crosswalks (0-10 points deducted)
Every crosswalk you hit leaving the garage costs you time. More crosswalks = longer waits for pedestrian signals, especially after events when crowds are thick.
2. Traffic Signals (0-10 points deducted)
Red lights kill your exit time. We count every signal between the garage exit and free-flowing traffic. Game day traffic makes signals even slower.
3. Competing Exits (0-10 points deducted)
When multiple garages feed into the same street, you're fighting more cars for the same space. Competing exits create bottlenecks that can add 20+ minutes to your departure.
4. Turn Difficulty (0-10 points deducted)
Left turns across traffic are parking death. Right turns onto busy streets aren't much better. Easy highway access gets the highest scores.
5. Merge Difficulty (0-10 points deducted)
Getting onto the freeway matters most. Short merge lanes, heavy traffic, and weird on-ramp angles all hurt your score. Clean freeway access scores best.
Walking Time Calculation
We measure actual walking distance from each garage entrance to each venue entrance, accounting for:
- Pedestrian paths (not just straight-line distance)
- Crosswalks and signals you'll hit
- Elevation changes and stairs
- Indoor concourse routes where applicable
Times assume 3 mph walking speed (average for adults carrying gear).
Data Sources
- Street Data: OpenStreetMap and municipal traffic data
- Garage Details: Direct venue partnerships and public records
- Exit Routes: Field verification and GPS tracking
- Event Schedules: Official team and league APIs
- Pricing: Real-time scraping of garage websites and apps
Why Exit Speed Matters
Other parking sites rank by price or walking distance. But what's the point of saving $5 if you sit in traffic for an hour?
A good exit can save you 30+ minutes after a game. That's worth way more than the price difference between garages.
ParkingRank puts exit intelligence first. Because getting out fast is the only thing that really matters.