Published on March 12, 2026
By Cynthia Lemus, Office of Communication
As Arlington prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, City leaders continue building plans that will help residents, businesses and community organizations benefit from the global sporting event.
During the March 10 Arlington City Council meeting, Deputy City Manager Jennifer Wichmann provided an update on several initiatives designed to support event preparations, including short-term rental compliance, the creation of Ambassadors Row to assist international visitors, and the Entrepreneurial Parking Program, which allows eligible property owners to apply for permits to operate paid parking during special events under City guidelines.
With international visitors expected to travel to Arlington for the nine World Cup matches at AT&T Stadium, the City is working to ensure the community can safely and effectively take part in the economic opportunities surrounding the tournament.
Entrepreneurial Parking Program
One initiative highlighted during the presentation was the Special Event Parking Lot Permit Program, also known as the Entrepreneurial Parking Program. The program allows eligible property owners — including businesses, churches and schools — to operate paid parking lots during large events in Arlington’s Entertainment District.
Under the program, property owners or lot operators must apply for a permit through the City’s Planning and Development Services Department before operating a commercial parking lot during special events.
Program Requirements
To qualify for a permit, applicants must meet several operational requirements intended to maintain safety, traffic flow and minimal disruption to nearby businesses and residents.
Requirements include:
The parking lot cannot have its sole access from a street located within the designated Limited Access Area.
The property must have a verifiable non-residential primary use, such as an operating business, church or school.
Lots must be paved, striped and properly lit in accordance with City ordinances.
Operators must provide at least two attendants during the parking process and maintain one attendant until one hour after the event ends or until the lot clears.
City-approved signage must be posted indicating the lot is permitted.
Permits must be renewed annually, and existing parking areas cannot be expanded unless the property’s primary business also expands.
Application Process and Fees
Applicants must submit an application that includes contact information, a valid Texas Sales Tax Permit, proof of liability insurance and a site plan showing the parking layout, entrances and exits, lighting and number of spaces. If the applicant is not the property owner, a notarized authorization form from the owner must also be included.
Annual permit fees are based on the number of parking spaces in the lot:
$250 per year for fewer than 50 spaces
$400 per year for 50 to 200 spaces
$500 per year for more than 200 spaces
Annual renewals carry the same fee as the original permit.
Unauthorized parking operations may face fines of up to $500 per violation, and the City may close any lot that interferes with traffic management on adjacent streets.
Property owners interested in the program can contact the Planner of the Day at 817-459-6502 for more information.