[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/stadium_parking.jpg” caption=”The underground parking lot at the Ron Joyce Stadium can hold up to 340 vehicles. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]Automated parking at the Ron Joyce Stadium went live this morning. Permit holders must have transponders to enter the parking lot while visitors can pay with cash or credit cards upon exit.

The parking lot has 340 spaces, of which 100 have been designated for permit holders while the rest are for visitors. Spaces are still available for permit holders.

Transponders were distributed by parking staff last week. Permit holders who do not have transponders yet can pick them up at the Parking Office.

The transponder should be affixed to the inside upper left corner of the windshield on the driver's side of the vehicle. Velcro strips with an adhesive side are provided with each transponder. Attaching the transponder to the windshiled is recommended, but the transponder can also be held steadily to open the gate.

The first transponder will be provided to permit holders at no cost. Replacement transponders are available for $20.

For those who have more than one vehicle, additional transponders can be purchased for a one-time fee instead of moving the transponder from one vehicle to the other. There is no additional monthly fee for additional transponders.