Due to the Cougars’ winning streak, the University anticipates an overwhelming crowd at Thursday’s game. | Courtesy of UH Parking and Transportation.

Parking will undergo extensive changes for Thursday night’s football game against the University of Connecticut at TDECU Stadium.

Many UH students have already experienced the effects of the changes. Some professors adjusted their class schedule to accommodate commuters.

“I only had one class, but it was changed to an online meeting,” said English senior Rachel Catney.

Some professors cancelled classes altogether Thursday so students don’t have to deal with finding a place to park.

“Some of my classes have been cancelled, but not all of them,” said English senior Rachel Cecil.

Five lots — 12A, 12B, 16B, 16E, and 15C — and the stadium garage will close Wednesday midnight. Any remaining vehicles will be towed.

In addition, lots 6A, 9B, 9C, 16D, 16G, 18A, 19C, 20A, 20C, and 21B will become game day parking at 4 p.m. On Thursday, vehicles in those lots will not be towed.

The University sent to students numerous notifications about the new parking situation.

“I have received countless emails about parking, which usually include a map that shows which lots close and at what time they convert into a cash lot,” Catney said. “I think they’ve done a much better job than last year.”

In an email sent to students Tuesday morning, Bruce Gregory, associate athletics director for auxiliary services, encouraged commuters to find another way to campus, use the METRORail or carpooling.

Gregory also recommended parking at the Energy Research Park, especially if students will arrive on campus after 4 p.m.

Students’ opinions differ on whether these changes are necessary, especially at the inconvenience of those who paid for parking.

“I think that any student who has a parking permit readily visible, regardless of when they arrive, should not have to pay additional money to park in their usual lots so long as there are still open spots,” Cecil said.

While Catney said the changes are necessary since game days bring an influx of fans, she also shared the opinion many Cougar fans have on parking.

“It is a pain when you have class, but I think it’s the best option,” she said.

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“Many parking changes to occur for next Cougars game” was originally posted on The Daily Cougar