Directions and Parking
The Carpenter Center is located at 6200 E. Atherton St., Long Beach, CA 90815.
Important Parking Updates
Parking Lot G12 Temporary Closure
Starting April 28 through August 21, 2025, Parking Lot G12 in front of the Carpenter Center will be closed for parking lot renovation and improvement. Lot G12 and its surrounding walkways will be completely fenced off and closed.
Summer Parking Instructions
During this period, patrons are directed to use Parking Lot G11 (on the west side of the Pyramid), the Pyramid Parking Structure, or parking lots G7, G8, or G9. Enter campus at Merriam Way from Atherton St. Electric Vehicle charging is available in Lot G7. Parking permits are required in all campus parking lots. More ADA parking spaces are available in Lot G11 than other parking lots on campus, including Lot G12. Please budget extra time to park and reach the Carpenter Center.
Parking Pay Stations & ParkMobile
Several parking pay stations are located alongside the Pyramid. To save time and avoid lines at pay stations, consider pre-paying for parking using ParkMobile.
Reaching the Theatre
Pedestrian Routes: There are two pedestrian paths to reach the Carpenter Center from the parking areas. One path reaches the Carpenter Center along Atherton St. You may also take the pedestrian path on the north side of the Walter Pyramid that reaches the Carpenter Center through the Dance Courtyard.
Passenger Carts: Passenger Cart service will be provided between the Walter Pyramid and the Carpenter Center for approximately one hour before and after performances. See the map below for passenger cart pick-up and drop-off points. Priority seating will be given to patrons requiring special assistance.
- Sustainable Transportation alternatives: Patrons may consider using Long Beach Transit Bus 173, which stops near the ADA ramp on East Atherton St.
- Rideshare: Patrons may also consider ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft that can drop off patrons at the unloading/loading zone on East Atherton St.
- ADA Drop Off: A temporary unloading/loading zone is provided directly in front of the Walter Pyramid at the D5 Drop-Off & Pickup Area. This area is for loading and unloading of individuals needing special assistance only. Vehicles not actively engaged in unloading or loading must move to one of the designated parking areas listed above.
Purchasing Parking Permits
Skip the lines at the parking kiosks! Purchase your parking ahead of time! Here's how:
- If the Carpenter Center event you plan to attend is within the next 30 days, visit the ParkMobile website, choose the event, and purchase your parking pass.
For all other parking purchases:
- On the day of the performance, visit ParkMobile and enter in Zone 3993 (and choose CSU Long Beach)
- Create an account (recommended for repeat patrons) or continue as a Guest
- When creating an account:
- Add a vehicle (license plate number & state)
- Add a payment method (Visa, MC, Discover, AMEX)
- Click “Start Parking”
- You’re all set! Park in Lot G11, Pyramid Parking Structure, or another nearby parking lot and enjoy the show! No further action is required.
You can also download the ParkMobile App and complete your purchase through your smartphone. Learn more about Parkmobile and parking on campus.
You may also use a pay station within Lot G11 (near the Pyramid) to pay for parking using a debit or credit card. The pay station kiosks do not accept cash.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your vehicle's license plate number will be required when paying. For assistance, please see an attendant in the lot.
Directions for Summer Parking
From 405 Los Angeles
Take the 405-Fwy South to the Palo Verde exit. Turn RIGHT onto southbound Palo Verde. Pass Stearns and turn RIGHT on Atherton St. Take the 2nd left onto campus at Merriam Way and park in Lot G11, adjacent to the Pyramid.
From 405 Orange County
Take the 405-Fwy North to the Palo Verde exit. Turn LEFT onto southbound Palo Verde. Pass Stearns and turn RIGHT on Atherton St. Take the 2nd left onto campus at Merriam Way and park in Lot G11, adjacent to the Pyramid.
From 605 FWY
Take the 605-Fwy South to the 405-Fwy North. Take the Palo Verde exit. Turn LEFT onto southbound Palo Verde. Pass Stearns and turn RIGHT on Atherton St. Take the 2nd left onto campus at Merriam Way and park in Lot G11, adjacent to the Pyramid.
From 22 FWY
Take the 22-Fwy West to 405 North to the Palo Verde exit. Turn LEFT onto southbound Palo Verde. Pass Stearns and turn RIGHT on Atherton St. Take the 2nd left onto campus at Merriam Way and park in Lot G11, adjacent to the Pyramid.
