When Julia Kamp usually parks in downtown San Diego to get to her job at a local Italian restaurant, she pays around $5 for all day. But during the first day of Comic-Con, that parking rate went up to $40.
"It's insane!" said Kamp.
She says she won't be earning much money the next few days since most of her tips will be going to parking her car.
"I'm sure it's worth it if you're going to the event," said Kamp, "but when you're not going, it's a big pain."
Parking lots all over downtown San Diego were also much higher for the annual comic convention. Lots that usually charged between $5 and $10 were charging between $20 and $30, some higher.
That meant Ian Stott had to pull more money out of his wallet.
"The last four years we've parked here it's been a $20 flat rate," said Stott, "40 bucks is kind of steep."
Local
Not only were parking fees higher but there were actually few lots available. Some downtown parking lots were turned into event venues for Comic-Con festivities. A few parking lots in the Gaslamp area near the convention center were sold out by mid-morning.
Robin Destiche of Sunset Parking says it's not uncommon for parking lot prices to fluctuate depending on the event and demand.
"You know it's based on the need of the area," said Destiche.
Car lot employees wore red capes to honor the Comic-Con fans at the company's 1st Avenue lot. The $15 rate from Monday went up between $30 and $40 dollar depending on how long people wanted to park their cars. But Robin Destiche says they had no problem filling their parking lot which is also shared by a local hotel.
Ace Parking officials say these rates are among the highest of the year and are typical for special downtown events. But for people paying those rates, there's nothing "special" about them.
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