Travel Directions for the Albany & Schenectady Concerts
West Capitol Park, Albany
Traveling north on the New York State Thruway (I-87), take Exit 23 to I-787. All traffic from I-787 Northbound must use exit 2 (Port of Albany) and follow the signed Detour Routes to Empire Plaza.
From the Thruway eastbound, take Exit 24 to I-90 East. Follow I-90 East to I-787 South to the Empire Plaza Exit.
From the Thruway westbound, take Exit B1 to I-90 West to I-787 South t o the Empire Plaza Exit.
If you are on the Northway southbound (I-87 South) take the exit for I -90 East (Albany). Stay on I-90 East to I-787 South to the Empire Plaza exit.
All visitor parking under the Empire State Plaza is now located in the V Lot (formerly known as P-3 North). Visitors entering the V Lot are required to show a photo identification and their vehicle is subject to a search.
Two visitor parking areas are located on Madison Avenue, which is just south of the Empire State Plaza. Both areas are within easy walking distance of the Plaza's main concourse level and all building entrances. These areas are the Cathedral lot and the Madison Avenue lot.
We also have a visitors lot located on Grand Street, just east of the Empire State Plaza East Garage. The Grand Street lot is conveniently located. You can easily access the Plaza as well as numerous downtown buildings from this location.
Handicapped parking is available in the V Lot (P-3 North). Oversized handicapped vehicles (in excess of 6' 6") will be accommodated on P-1 North. In addition, handicapped visitor parking spaces are also available in the Cathedral parking lot. If you have any specific questions about the availability of handicapped parking, please feel free to call OGS Parking Services at (518) 474-8118.
Visitor parking for the V-Lot (P-3 North and P-1 North is a pay on exit. Visitor parking for the Cathedral Lot and the Madison Avenue Visitor Lot is a pay upon entry. Refunds are given upon exit, depending on the length of your stay. The Grand Street surface lot is a flat fee of $5.00, pay upon entry, and no refunds are given. Visa, Master Card and American Express is accepted in all of the visitor parking areas.
From any parking level under the Empire Plaza, take the elevator from these parking levels up to the main concourse. To get to Capitol Park walk north towards the Capitol building. Take the escalator up to the Capitol Building and continue out the North entrance of the Capitol. You will be standing on Washington Avenue. Across Washington Ave. is the Education Building. Capitol Park is to the left, directly across the street from the front steps of the Education Building.
NOTE: Parking on the street in Albany is much easier now that parking meters have been installed. There seem to be open parking spots on the streets around the Education Building. Most of the metered spots have a four hour limits before you have insert more quarters. There seem to be open parking spots directly in front of the Education Department on Washington Avenue on the north side of the street. The meters in front of the Education Building have a two hour limit. Bring lots of quarters if you plan to park on the streets around the Education Building.
Music Haven, Central Park, Schenectady
From the South, East or West, take the New York State Thruway to Exit 25 Schenectady; continue east on I-890. Take Exit 7 (Route 7/Troy) and continue straight, passing through three traffic lights. At the fourth light, make a left turn onto Golf Road. About ¼ of a mile you will come to a "T" in the road. Refer to additional directions below:
From the North, take I-87 to Exit 6 (Route 7) west. Take Route 7 west to Schenectady; as you enter Schenectady the highway divides. Stay on Route 7 until you reach Golf Road. Turn right onto Golf Road. About ¼ of a mile you will come to a "T" in the road. Refer to additional directions below:
From the "T" intersection of Golf Road, you may find parking areas to the left or to the right:
If you make the left turn at the "T", follow the perimeter road along a baseball field for about 1000 yards; make the first possible right into the park; make your second possible right in toward the center of the park. You will come to a very small parking lot toward the back of the amphitheater.
If you make the right turn at the "T", follow the perimeter road for about 1500 yards until you see the official sign "Welcome to Central Park" on your left. Enter here; pass the tennis courts on your right and you will soon see a large baseball diamond on your left and the park pavilion on your right. At this point, you will be facing the east side of the stage. Find parking in adjacent lots.
Further Information
For further information, please contact:
Administrative Director
NYSSSA Schools of Music
Room 866 EBA, State Education Department
Albany, New York 12234
(518) 474-8773
NYSSSA email: nysssa@mail.nysed.gov