Parking Panda

Tips for a Stress-Less Commute

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:32:01 -0400

Thus far, we’ve had your back when it comes to all things parking. We’d like to take this time to help you with the other part of your commute. As residents of the DMV area, (DC, Maryland, Virginia), we were not surprised to discover that the Census Bureau placed us at number three in the country for longest commute time in their most recent study. Countless hours of our lives have been lost sitting on a highway that ends in “95”. This amazing infographic from Car Insurance Guide breaks down the science of the traffic jam.

Instead of stressing behind the wheel, there are ways to make traffic work for you. The first step is to calm down. As tempting as it may seem, resist the urge to speed forward at any slight opening during gridlock. The objective is to get to your destination promptly and safely. By maintaining a consistent, average speed, and a 2-car distance minimum between yourself and the vehicle in front, you can eat traffic waves. For more tips on becoming a hero of the highway, check out this video and accompanying articles by The Science Hobbyist.

We’d also like to introduce you to this concept called “Do the Zipper Merge” courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Waiting for the best opportune moment to safely merge rather than instantly upon seeing a sign or blockage will maintain even traffic patterns. Have confidence and do not be nervous! While we are all for defensive driving, we are also huge supporters of efficiency.

Take these tips and try them, we would love to hear about your findings! And, as always, remember to reserve parking in advance with Parking Panda!

44th Annual Jazz and Heritage Festival

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:37:00 -0400

The 44th Annual Jazz and Heritage Festival, aka Jazz Fest, is one of the biggest music festivals in the United States. This 10-day culture feast brings 400,000 music junkies to the Fair Grounds Race Course every year, all ready to indulge in the unforgettable music performances, authentic Louisiana cuisine and the brilliant artistry of Louisiana Culture. The fair is held over the course of two weekends beginning on April 26th to the 28th and ending on the weekend of May 2nd to the 5th. The Festival celebrates the local culture of New Orleans, engrossing every style of music associated with the city including blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass and everything in between.

We have spoken to representatives from the event, and it was made clear to us that parking is minimal to none near the fairgrounds; the festival does not offer parking passes! Not to worry; there is however, a shuttle that leaves from two locations downtown that will transport you to and from the grounds. This is the only way to get to the grounds from the city. We are the ONLY company to have guaranteed and reserved parking just steps from the shuttle stops in a safe and secure 24 hour parking lot. The shuttle and festival admission tickets will be on sale at the Shuttle Departure Locations on the day of the festival beginning at 9:30am. All shuttles begin operating at 10:30am and will stay running until all patrons have been transported to the Fair Grounds. The gates to the Fair Grounds open at 11:00am and they suggest to get there sooner rather than later. To find shuttle locations, times and fares click on Gray Line Shuttle New Orleans.

Book your parking with Parking Panda. We want to make your Jazz Festival experience an unforgettable one. Don’t get frustrated driving around the city trying to find somewhere to park while you see the shuttle driving past you on the way to the race track. Book your reserved New Orleans Jazz Festival parking now!

For more information about the festival go to http://www.nojazzfest.com. Be safe and have a great time!

Parking Panda Wants to Take YOU Out to The Ball Game!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:48:00 -0400

Goodbye spring training, hello MLB season 2013! With opening day just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect time to let you know about all of our new MLB parking locations. The flowers are blooming, the smell of spring is in the air, and it is finally time to enjoy your peanuts and crackerjacks. The Parking Panda team wants you to be able to fully enjoy the aura of a ball game, so we decided to hit it out of the ballpark with 5 new stadium parking locations. We now have quick and convenient parking for the following MLB teams….

-Baltimore Orioles

-San Francisco Giants

-Washington Nationals

-Houston Astros

-Red Sox

Save time and money by booking with Parking Panda. Once you book, your reservation is guaranteed no matter what time you show up. Know what you’re paying and where you’re going ahead of time. Don’t let the hassle of parking keep you from the opening innings. Enjoy discounts at all of these locations, and don’t forget to book early to ensure your guaranteed parking space. Click on your team above, and book your parking now!

Ultra Music Festival 2013: Parking Panda Joins the Party at Bayfront Park

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:02:33 -0500

It’s 80 degrees and perfectly balmy. Beautiful people wearing bikinis and scraps of clothing are packed in the streets. Music is emitting loudly from Bayfront Park and all five of your senses are screaming at you to explore this LED adult wonderland. But you can’t. You’ve been stuck looping between 95, 395 and 2^nd Ave looking for parking for the past hour and at this point you’re over it.

Every March over 300,000 glow stick adorned party-goers infiltrate the Magic City for ULTRA music festival, the largest electronic dance music celebration in the nation. World-renown DJs and producers such as Swedish House Mafia, David Guetta and Tiësto have all headlined at this three-day weekend extravaganza.

Notorious for selling out within minutes, ULTRA has expanded the party to stretch out over two weekends this year to satisfy overwhelming demand. Twice the mayhem means that the party is likely to last the entire month, with thousands of after parties to fill in the dead time between each weekend.

Miami is a vacation hot-spot in its own right, making parking inherently expensive and elusive. Combined with the chaos and debauchery of ULTRA, finding a home for your car at this event can be painful. Garage prices for each weekend are anticipated to cost $35/per day and over. The panda is happy to offer a safe abode for your vehicle for as low as $10/per day! By planning ahead with our discounted ULTRA music festival parking, you can indulge your instincts immediately and join the rave before the glow sticks die out!

MARDI GRAS 2013: PARKING IN THE BIG EASY CAN ACTUALLY BE EASY THIS YEAR WITH OUR PARKING PANDA TIPS

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:56:29 -0500

Mardi Gras, also referred to as Fat Tuesday, is one of the craziest and most outrageous street carnivals in the United States. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people crowd the streets of the French Quarter to take in the ambiance of the parade’s floats, costumes and festivities. As much as the festivities will be an unforgettable event, we want you to remember it for all the right reasons. Don’t let parking dilemmas put a damper on your street galavanting and bead collecting. Below are a list of tips that can help insure a happy night for all.

- Plan your transportation in advance

- The French Quarter during Mardi Gras is closed to vehicular so plan accordingly

- Be careful of parking tickets, always read the signs before you park

- Many parking lots have reduced rates, ‘early bird special’ if you park before 9:00 am

- For handicapped pass call 504-483-4610

-Remember taxis are more difficult to find so save money and park close using Mardi Gras Parking

Offsite commercial lots are filling up fast and can start to get expensive. Book your reserved parking with Parking Panda today and alleviate the hassle the morning of.

PARKING PANDA LAUNCHES IN HOUSTON JUST IN TIME FOR NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:23:02 -0500

Parking Panda is proud to announce that we are now LIVE in Houston, TX. With many new lots surrounding the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, and Reliant Stadium, we’re here to help the “Clutch City” faithful find that clutch parking spot by allowing them to find and reserve parking spaces online in advance quickly and conveniently.

With all of the events coming up at the Toyota Center and Reliant Stadium, we figured this was the perfect time to introduce Parking Panda to the Bayou City. Toyota Center parking passes are available for all events, including NBA All-Star Weekend and Rockets home games.

From February 25 – March 17th the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo returns to the Reliant Center. With performances by Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and many more, parking spots are sure to be in high demand. Reserve your spot now at The Reliant Center Parking page. With plenty of options starting at just $5, why not reserve now and avoid the headache the day of the event?

Already thinking about the Astros? Come March 31st, we’ll have your Minute Maid Park parking available as well. With over 15 locations less than a half-mile from the park, parking doesn’t have to be a hassle anymore.

Using Parking Panda is a breeze! Just go to our website or download our free iPhone app, enter where and when you want to park, and reserve your spot. Then just print your confirmation and put it on your dash when you arrive! Parking in Houston has never been easier!

Parking for All-Star weekend will be hard to come buy, so check out our site and reserve your spot at the Toyota Center Parking page in advance, and allow yourself to enjoy the All-Star experience.

Parking Panda teams up with Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:25:00 -0500

It’s out with the dragons and in with the snakes at the 2013 Chinese New Year Parade on February 23rd in San Francisco! The city will celebrate the Year of the Snake with the same parade it has held since 1860. Spectators will be treated to spectacular performances from folk dancers, Chinese acrobats, and a 268 foot-long Golden Dragon!

This year, new traditions will join the old, as Parking Panda teams up with the Chinese New Year Parade to improve access to the event. As official parking partners of the parade, Parking Panda will offer spectators the ability to reserve a parking space near the parade route ahead of time. Over ONE MILLION people are expected to attend this very popular event! So getting a space with Parking Panda will be the only way to guarantee a place to park near Chinatown.

Currently, Parking Panda offers discounted parking at several garages within a few blocks of the parade route, which snakes through Union Square, the Financial District, and, of course, Chinatown. But space is limited, and parking spots are already being reserved, so spectators should visit our Chinese New Year Parade Parking page today to reserve a 100% guaranteed parking space!

Though the Year of the Panda won’t come any time soon—in fact, it will never come, since no such year exists—the year of Parking Panda is already at hand! We’ll see you at the parade!

Let the Bon Temps Roll! Parking Panda Launches in New Orleans Today

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:40:00 -0500

Parking Panda is pleased to announce that as of today we are live in New Orleans, Louisiana! It may be ‘the City that Care Forgot,’ but locals and visitors can’t forget to care about finding a place to park their cars. That’s where Parking Panda comes in: we take the hassle out of parking by helping people find spaces quickly, conveniently, and for less money.

This is an exciting time to be setting up shop in the Crescent City (which, if you haven’t noticed, has a lot of nicknames!) Superdome parking is available for events at the stadium, including the Saints’ remaining home games. On January 2nd, New Orleans plays host to the 2013 Sugar Bowl between Florida and Louisville. Parking Panda can help fans reserve a space ahead of time and save money, so they can focus on enjoying the game, and the obligatory tailgate. The Sugar Bowl Parking page has details.

Then, on February 3rd, the biggest event of the year after Mardi Gras will whip the town into a frenzy, as Super Bowl mania descends on New Orleans. Parking near the Superdome will be hard to come by, so reserving Super Bowl parking ahead of time is a smart choice for any football fan.

Later in the year, Parking Panda has the perennial parties covered: Mardi Gras parking and Jazz Fest parking will be readily available. For those who live near a parade route or the fairgrounds, listing a parking space on Parking Panda will be a great way to make a little extra cash!

Using Parking Panda to reserve a spot in New Orleans is easy! Just visit our site, type in where and when you want to park, and reserve a space in the lot you want. It’s never been easier to park in NOLA.

Purchase Tickets and Reserve Parking All In One!

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:08:00 -0500

Good news Parking Panda Fans! Now you can buy tickets and reserve parking when you use MissionTix! What could be better than this? Thanks to this new partnership with MissionTix we have created an easy process to help with planning your next concert or outing.

Why wait until the last minute to search for parking? When you buy tickets with MissionTix, Parking Panda will automatically find parking near that event after your purchase. Think it can get any better? Well it can. The spots Parking Panda offers have cheaper rates and are within walking distance to your event! Reserve parking in advance with us for 100% guaranteed parking! Nothing is worse than being extremely late for that thing you have been dying to go to just because of parking problems.

GO NOW to MissionTix to purchase your tickets and book parking!

Affordable Parking for the Georgetown Basketball Games!

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 11:33:00 -0500

Are you a Georgetown Hoya fan? Well good news, Parking Panda offers cheaper, more affordable parking close to Georgetown Basketball games. Booking your spot in advance gives you 100% guaranteed pre-paid parking, even if the lot is full when you arrive. Just show your Parking Panda confirmation and the attendant will let you right on in!

Book in advance for any game so you don’t have to worry about missing tip off. We understand some things are last minute, but parking doesn’t have to be one of them! Rather than waiting till game day to find parking, find it now. Parking Panda allows you to reserve spots online or through our mobile app. It’s easy, just go to our site and reserve a spot for the game you’re attending.

Go now, and reserve a spot for your next game, or the whole season!

The Gymnastics Crave Isn’t Over Yet!

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:00:00 -0500

Did you fall in love with Gabby Douglas and the other Team USA members in the 2012 Olympics? Craving more of that fun filled action? The Kellogg’s Tour of the Gymnastics Champions is making its way to DC November 15th! Get front row parking to this event with Parking Panda. The Verizon Center’s event parking is $27 dollars, but with Parking Panda you can reserve a spot in advance for as low as $10!

Parking Panda offers cheaper parking garages for your convenience. We offer Verizon Center parking as low as $10 dollars a day. The event starts at 7:30pm, so why not make it a day trip? Our garages are conveniently located near DC’s popular restaurants, museums, and art galleries.

There are also other garages that are $5-10 dollars after 5pm if you are only coming for the evening.

When you book online in advance with Parking Panda, your space is pre-paid and 100% guaranteed in advance.

Go now, and reserve your parking, for The Kellogg’s Tour of the Gymnastics Champions 2012!

Park Smart in Baltimore This Holiday Season

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:04:50 -0500

The Downtown Partnership, the Parking Authority of Baltimore City, and the Baltimore City Police Department are teaming up to encourage residents to Park Smart this holiday season. The increase in expensive electronics visible in vehicles, such as iPods and GPS systems, along with the increased shopping during the holiday season, has increased the need for residents to Park Smart.

Along with stashing your electronics out of plain view, or leaving your car empty, the Park Smart campaign encourages parking in downtown parking facilities rather than on the street. Aside from being well lit and staffed with security, many parking facility operators have attended seminars about the Park Smart campaign and how they can improve the safety of their facilities.

So don’t be a victim this holiday season. Book your parking in advance through Parking Panda so you know where you’re going ahead of time. Don’t leave it to chance that a garage fills up, and you end up parking somewhere you don’t know. Remember to stay safe and protect your belongings this holiday season by reserving your spot with Parking Panda, putting your electronics away, and Parking Smart!

The Baltimore National College Fair 2012

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 12:53:00 -0400

CALLING ALL SOON TO BE COLLEGE STUDENTS!

Looking for the right college? The Baltimore National College Fair is October 29th-30th, at the Baltimore Convention Center.

Sometimes traveling to a new place is stressful, and finding parking is hard enough. No Worries, Parking Panda has your back! This event is a great opportunity when planning your school future, and we don’t want you to miss out!

Parking Panda conveniently offers a lot of cheap parking garages near the Baltimore Convention Center. You can find parking as low as $8 dollars a day with Parking Panda. Also near many local attractions.

Head on over to the convention, then visit all off the downtown Baltimore fun, like the Aquarium, shopping, and restaurants on the Harbor.

Reserve parking for this great event now! Your future awaits!

San Francisco Fleet Week 2012

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:57:54 -0400

Fleet Week is just around the corner. This means a week of fun filled events while honoring the young men and women of the Naval Services.

This event is taking place October 4th to the 8th near the Marina Green Park, in San Francisco. Find convenient parking to all these events with Panda Parking. GO HERE to reserve parking for the days you’re attending. Parking Panda offers garages that are walking distance to all events. Prices range from $8 dollars an hour to $15 a day (some garages vary in price).

Some events include:

Interagency Softball Competition
Blue Angels Meet and Greet at PIER 39
Pier 80 Ships Tours
Italian Heritage Parade
Fleet week air show

Reserve your parking now, so you don’t miss out on Fleet Week, and all the events offered!

San Francisco Giants AT&T Park Parking

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 16:20:51 -0400

Have your tickets to the playoffs? Why not book your parking in advance as well? With the Giants clinching the NL West title against the Padres, it’s time to start preparing for the playoffs.

Don’t get caught up in the traffic and hustle and bustle of trying to get into the over-priced first come first serve lots around the stadium. By booking parking through www.parkingpanda.com, you can ensure a quick, cheap, and hassle free parking experience in advance for the divisional round series. We have plenty of parking within walking distance of AT&T Park, at a fraction of the cost of on site parking!

Come out and support your Giants like its 2010 all over again! When you book online with Parking Panda, your space is pre-paid and 100% guaranteed.

Reserve your discounted space online now at https://www.parkingpanda.com/att-park-parking

SFO Airport Parking

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 14:52:42 -0400

Traveling to San Francisco Airport (SFO) anytime soon? Worrying about flight times, delays, luggage, or even parking is not fun at all. Thankfully, Parking Panda is at your service when it comes to finding affordable parking. Parking Panda’s rates are over 60% cheaper than the prices offered at SFO Airport!

The SFO Airport charges up to $28 per day for daily parking! Parking Panda is pleased to announce we now provide a much cheaper alternative to parking near San Francisco Airport. You can now book parking online through Parking Panda just down the street from the airport for only $11 per day! The good news does not stop there. Catch the complimentary hotel shuttle next to the garage to the airport for FREE. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes, 7 days a week to make sure you will get to the airport on time and without a hassle.

When you book online in advance with Parking Panda, your space is pre-paid and 100% guaranteed in advance.

Head on over and book San Francisco (SFO) Airport Parking now!

Baltimore Grand Prix announces Parking Panda as an Official Partner

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:47:45 -0400

Parking Panda Becomes Official Parking Partner of Grand Prix of Baltimore

Parking Panda is thrilled to announce that we are now the official parking partner of the highly anticipated Baltimore Grand Prix! In just four short weeks, an expected 100,000 attendees will be enjoying Labor Day weekend in Baltimore at this three-day racing event chalked full of 180mph action on a 12-turn race course beginning right in the heart of downtown Baltimore that winds through the surrounding streets. This year they’re featuring the cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series — a new racecar design for 2012 featuring turbocharged engines — and the American Le Mans Series.

So you have your tickets, booked your hotel, but have you thought about parking? The city is going to be packed. The first races start at 8am—do you really want to spend your morning driving around looking for a parking garage that still has room? Hotel parking is usually out of this world expensive and might not even be close to the course.

As the official parking partner of this event, Parking Panda has partnered with parking lots and garages all over the city available for you to reserve ahead of time and avoid the added stress of finding your spot. We have lots just a few blocks from the course with prices ranging from $3 to $30/day. Once you book, your spot is guaranteed reserved, even if the lot otherwise fills up. Just show your Parking Panda confirmation, and the lot attendant will let you right in. Your confirmation also serves as your payment. It’s that simple!

Given the high attendance of this event, parking is going to be in high demand. Garages will fill up quickly and early so don’t wait! Reserve now and make sure your weekend is completely hassle-free. Check out the link below and book parking for all three days of the Grand Prix for an incredible price!

https://www.parkingpanda.com/baltimore-grand-prix-parking

Grand Prix of Baltimore 2012
August 31st - September 2nd
http://raceonbaltimore.com/

Otakon Baltimore 2012

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:00:37 -0400

This weekend, the Baltimore Convention Center will host Otakon - a celebration of anime, manga and all things Asian pop culture! Join over 30,000 fellow anime enthusiasts for this three-day must-see event from Friday, July 27th through Sunday, July 29th.

Event activities include anime and live action East Asian film screenings, panels and workshops, Cosplay, a skit-based Masquerade show and numerous gaming opportunities. Fans can also enjoy “The Artist Alley,” a marketplace featuring the work of hundreds of writers, musicians and craftspeople displaying and selling their work. Additionally, there will be musical performances throughout the entire convention including Mikako Joho and Aya Hirano.

As the Otakon website warns, parking for the event can be challenging. Park on the street, you run the risk of getting ticketed. Hotel garage rates are off the charts. Even nearby lots are pretty pricey and you’ll probably waste time searching for a spot when you should be getting your money’s worth at the convention!

Take advantage of everything Otakon has to offer by finding cheap and affordable with Parking Panda. Parking Panda offers tons of parking spots nearby for a fraction of what you’d pay anywhere else. Park about a half mile away for less than $6/day! Compare that to hotel parking: upwards of $35/day…

Why waste time searching for parking when you should be showing off your costume?

Book Parking Now

https://www.parkingpanda.com/baltimore-otakon-parking

PREAKNESS - May 19th 2012 The 137th Preakness Stakes, the second...

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:39:00 -0400

PREAKNESS - May 19th 2012

The 137^th Preakness Stakes, the second leg in the Triple Crown series, will be held this Saturday, May 19^th at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. Preakness, drawing more people than any other sporting event in Maryland, set a record in 2007 when 121,263 people attended and more than $87.2 million was placed in bets. The first Preakness was held at Pimlico in 1873 however, the Preakness Stakes has not always been held in Maryland.

In 1890, Preakness was hosted by Morris Park Racecourse in the Bronx, New York, after which there was no race run for three years. Next, for 15 years from 1894 to 1908 the race was held at Gravesend Race Track on Coney Island, New York before finally returning to Pimlico in 1909.

The first Preakness winner was Kentucky born, American Thoroughbred racehorse, Survivor. Ridden by jockey George Barbee, Survivor won the $2,050 winning purse by galloping home easily by 10 lengths. This was the largest margin of victory until 2004, when Smarty Jones won by 11 1/2 lengths. This year’s purse towers over its 1873 counterpart at $1,000,000.

Preakness, also known as “The Run for the Black-Eyes Susans” since a blanket of the state flower is usually places around the winner’s neck, is truly a time for Fellowship among Marylanders. Just after the horses for the Preakness are called to the post, the audience is invited to sing Maryland’s official state song, “Maryland, My Maryland.” Traditionally, the song was led by the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band from the infield but today The United States Naval Academy Glee Club leads the song.

It’s not just horses that draw the crowds to the Preakness festivities. Infieldfest, a day of music, activities, food and drinks begins Saturday morning before The Preakness Stakes. I hope you like beer for breakfast because the first band is scheduled to begin at 8:20 am!

Although Parking for Preakness is now SOLD OUT, no worries because Parking Panda has you covered. We have spaces available just a few short blocks away at Pimlico Elementary School. For only $25 you can get all day parking. Check out our Preakness Parking page and reserve your space now!

Park Happy!

A Star Spangled Sailabration In honor of the bicentennial of...

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:47:00 -0400

Cisne Branco from Rio de Janeiro

Guayas from Ecuador

Cuauhtémoc from Mexico

A Star Spangled Sailabration

In honor of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner, Baltimore is hosting Star-Spangled Sailabration, an international parade of over 40 tall ships and naval vessels. The event will feature tours of the ships, waterside festivities, an air show featuring the Blue Angels, and the world-premier of “Overture for 2012” composed by Phillip Glass. Star-Spangled Sailabration is the kick off of Star-Spangled 200, a three-year state-wide commemoration beginning June 2012 and running through September 2014.

For the Star-Spangled Sailabration, ships will sail in from all over the world, including Cisne Branco, hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Guayas, a 257-foot tall ship of Ecuador, and Cuauhtémoc, a 270-foot tall ship from Mexico.

This nearly week-long celebration begins Wednesday June 13th when ships begin to arrive throughout the day, and concludes that following Tuesday, June 19th as the ships depart.

Some notable events set throughout the week include:

Thursday, June 14th

Flag Day Celebration
(10am – 4pm) at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

Welcome Ceremony
(11am-12pm) at the Inner Harbor

Friday, June 15th

Sailabration Village Open
(11am-9pm) at the Inner Harbor

Saturday, June 16th

Star-Spangled Festival & Aircraft Display
(10am-5pm) at the Martin State Airport

Celebration of the American Flag/ Concerts & Fireworks
(6pm-10pm) at the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Sunday, June 17th - Star-Spangled Air Show featuring the Blue Angels
(1pm-4pm) - Best Viewed from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Everyday - Free Public Ship Tours
Various Times & Various Locations

For the full schedule of events, a list of visiting ships and more information, check out the Star-Spangled 200 site.

To reserve parking for the event, go to our custom Star-Spangled Sailabration page & ensure your spot ahead of time!