UNLV's first parking garage, which contains 1,600 parking spaces, opened at noon on Friday, Nov. 30.

The garage, located just north of Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall off Cottage Grove Avenue, was originally scheduled to open in mid- to late-January 2002.

"We are delighted to be opening our first parking garage on campus," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "The entire campus will benefit from the added convenience this new facility will provide."

The $12.6 million, four-story garage has been designed with the capacity to add two more floors to accommodate future growth.

The garage will contain 1,272 spaces for students, 162 for faculty and staff, 74 for visitors, 66 reserved spaces, and 26 handicap spaces. There are five entrances to the garage, two of which lead directly to the upper floors.

Students, faculty, and staff may use their current permits to park in the garage in the type of space designated on their permits. For example, those with student permits may park in the garage in spaces marked "student." Reserved spaces are available for an additional fee.

The cost of visitor spaces will be 75 cents an hour. Visitor fees will be paid at one central pay station, not individual meters. Both coins and bills can be used at the pay station.

For more information about the garage, call the Parking Services office at 895-1300.