“The Parking Spot” is opening a new $14 million lot Thursday near the Salt Lake City International Airport — as airport officials say their own 10,000-plus parking spaces have been almost full at busy times.
For example, during the recent Utah Education Association weekend school holiday, “We were within 200 spots of" being full, said airport director Bill Wyatt. “Finding those 200 spots would be difficult.”
So while many airports would not exactly welcome more private lots cutting into their proceeds, Wyatt said, “We don’t want people driving out to the airport and not being able to park their car and miss their trip…. I think there is enough room for everybody in this business.”
The new parking lot, at 123 S. 2400 West, has 700 covered spots and 1,200 uncovered on its 33-acre location. Existing off-airport competitors — with two parking lots each — include Park n' Jet and Diamond Airport Parking.
Jeff Foland, president and CEO of The Parking Spot, said it is the 39th lot that his Chicago-based company operates at 22 large airports nationally.
He said it chose to expand to Salt Lake City because “it’s obviously a growing market. It’s a terrific airline hub, not only for Delta but Southwest has a strong presence there. It’s just a very solid market.”
As part of opening specials, the new parking lot is offering pre-reserved parking for as low as $5 per day. For customers who stay at least four days, the parking lot will also offer free parking for Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Foland says his company’s smartphone app allows customers to handle reservations, payments, check-in, check-out, tracking shuttles and more “to allow a stress-free experience.” He adds the company seeks to “excel more at hospitality and customer service.”
Ongoing construction of a $3.6 billion project to build a new terminal and concourses at the airport will include in a newly enlarged parking garage there.
