Finals week is approaching at UNLV, but studying isn't the only thing happening on campus. The National Finals Rodeo is taking place at Thomas & Mack Center.
Students told Action News they are annoyed UNLV is giving up student spots for the event.
"Usually when there's an event, especially by the Thomas & Mack parking lot, there's usually parking taken up and it's usually for students and they kind of just give it to whatever event is in town instead of us, so it's kind of lame," said UNLV student Dominic Hurton.
Hurton said it makes an already scarce parking spot situation even worse. He does not bother with a student parking pass and parks in a neighborhood off campus and has to walk to get back to UNLV.
"I hear people complain about it a lot," Hurton said. "'I have to park off campus,' or 'there's not enough parking, I paid for a spot but I can't find one.'"
He said professors are frustrated with parking, too, because students are often late to class after having to search for a spot.
UNLV said no one from the University was available for an interview Friday, but gave us a statement:
"UNLV is proud to host the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo each year at the Thomas & Mack Center, as we have for the past 30 years. During the event and throughout the year, UNLV’s Parking & Transportation Services strives to make parking as efficient and convenient as possible. The team communicates parking impacts with the campus and regularly monitors lots during large events and peak times to ensure parking is available for our students, faculty and staff.
"We understand that increased parking availability is very important to our students, and we're continually working toward expanding options for parking. Within the past year alone, UNLV has added 682 spaces to serve our growing campus, and plans are underway for an additional 600 spaces by the end of next year. "
Students said they want a solution now--not parking spots promises months away.
From 2013 to 2014, enrollment at UNLV grew by more than 600.
It's been trending upward since 2011.
