Pay Up, Fans: Tinley Park's Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre to Charge for Parking in 2026

New Parking Fees at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in 2026

Tinley Park, IL — Concertgoers attending events at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre will face a new cost in 2026: parking fees. For the first time since the venue opened, general admission parking will no longer be included with ticket purchases. Instead, attendees will need to purchase a separate parking pass to use the venue’s parking facilities during concerts and other ticketed events starting January 1.

The parking pass will be sold separately from tickets and is required for all vehicles entering the venue during events. General parking at 19100 Ridgeland Ave. will cost $20 per vehicle if purchased in advance, with prices increasing to $25 on the day of the event. Attendees can upgrade to premier parking for $50 per vehicle, while reserved spots for oversized vehicles or limousines will cost $90. EZ Out spots, which provide smoother entrance and exit, start at $120 per vehicle. More details are available on the venue's website.

A spokesperson for the venue stated that these changes are part of ongoing improvements and upgrades made during the off-season. "During the off season, we are making upgrades to the venue and our operations just like we do every year," the spokesperson said. "We look forward to welcoming fans for the 2026 summer concert season and showing them the major investments we are making in the venue experience."

The spokesperson also emphasized that revenue from on-site spending, including concessions and now parking, helps fund venue operations. "When fans buy a drink or purchase a parking pass, that money funds things like building maintenance, lawn upgrades, venue security, and employee wages," the spokesperson added.

Fan Reactions to the New Fees

The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from fans. Many have expressed frustration over the new fees, particularly given the venue's history of chaotic parking. The amphitheatre, which has previously operated under names such as New World Music Theatre and Tweeter Center, is known for its gravel lots without designated spots. This often leads to concertgoers searching for their cars long after the show ends. Exiting the venue is also seen as a challenge, with traffic jams frequently reported.

Fans took to social media to voice their concerns. Nearly 2,000 comments were posted on the venue's platforms, with many questioning whether the new fees would lead to paved parking lots and improved traffic management. Others asked about the availability of parking and whether concessions inside the venue would become cheaper.

One fan asked, "Does that mean you won’t have children working the lots and have a more sufficient entry/exit?" Another wrote, "Looks like we will be heading up to Alpine Valley from now on." A third commented, "Does this mean the venue will HAVE PAVED PARKING THRU OUT ITS LOTS???" Other responses included, "Hey so this is insane," and "I’ll find somewhere else to see a concert. Have a good one!"

Some fans even joked about potential ticket price changes, with one quipping, "Guess tickets will be cheaper since apparently parking was 'built in' before."

Upcoming Summer Lineup

Despite the controversy, the venue continues to attract large crowds. With a capacity of 28,000—11,000 seats and 17,000 on the lawn—the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre is set to host a variety of big-name acts in 2026. The summer season lineup includes Evanescence, Guns N' Roses, Avenged Sevenfold, Good Charlotte, Train, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Motley Crue, and Iron Maiden.

As the venue moves forward with its new parking policy, it remains to be seen how fans will respond. While some may choose to attend events elsewhere, others may continue to support the venue despite the additional costs. The question remains: will the new fees deter fans, or will they simply become another part of the concert-going experience?