Pittsburgh · Venue Guide

The Pavilion at Star Lake — Parking, Seating & Gate Guide

Everything you need to know before a concert at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, PA — parking prices, tailgating rules, gate times, seating chart, and how to get in and out without losing two hours to traffic.

Parking at Star Lake

General parking at The Pavilion at Star Lake is $40 per car, cash at the gate (subject to change by tour). Preferred lots run $60–$90 and Premier/VIP lots are typically $100+. Pre-paying through Live Nation or Ticketmaster usually saves $5–$10 and guarantees a spot for sold-out shows. Lots open about 4:30pm for a 7:00pm show. Carpool — Route 18 is a single artery in and out and traffic backs up to I-22.

Tailgating Rules

Tailgating is allowed in the general parking lots from when lots open until showtime. Grills, coolers, folding chairs and canned beer are fine. Glass bottles, kegs, amplified music and open fires are not. Tailgate must end at posted showtime — security sweeps the lots — and nothing from your tailgate can come inside the venue. No re-entry to the lot once you've gone in.

Gate Times

For a standard 7:00pm or 7:30pm show, gates open at 5:30pm or 6:00pm — 90 minutes before showtime. Headliners typically take the stage between 9:00pm and 9:30pm after one or two opening acts. Always confirm the specific event on the ticket — high-production stadium tours sometimes open doors at 5:00pm and start at 6:30pm to fit curfew.

Seating: Pavilion vs Lawn

The Pavilion is ~7,000 covered reserved seats in numbered rows under the roof — protected from rain, closer to the stage, and the only place to be for a thunderstorm show. The Lawn is a 16,000-capacity grass hill behind the pavilion: cheap, casual, full picnic-blanket vibe. Bring a low-back chair (max 9 inches off the ground) or a blanket.

Bag Policy & What to Bring

Star Lake enforces a clear-bag policy — clear bags only, max 12x6x12 inches, or a clutch max 4.5x6.5 inches. One factory-sealed water bottle up to 20oz allowed per person. No outside food, no coolers, no umbrellas. Phones, basic cameras with no detachable lens, sunscreen and a small blanket are fine. Bring cash for parking and merch lines.

Getting There & Getting Out

The venue is at 665 Route 18, Burgettstown, PA 15021 — ~30 miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh, roughly a 40-minute drive on I-376 W and US-22 W. No public transit; everyone drives or carpools. Plan on 45–90 minutes to clear the lots after a sold-out show. Route 18 bottlenecks immediately after encore — either leave one song early to beat traffic, or hang in the lot for 30 minutes instead of sitting in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is parking at The Pavilion at Star Lake?

General parking is $40 per car, cash at the gate. Preferred lots run $60–$90 and Premier/VIP lots are $100+. Pre-paying through Live Nation or Ticketmaster usually saves $5–$10 and guarantees a spot for sold-out shows.

Can I tailgate at The Pavilion at Star Lake?

Yes — tailgating is allowed in the general parking lots from when lots open (about 4:30pm for a 7pm show) until showtime. Grills, coolers and folding chairs are permitted. Glass bottles, kegs and amplified music are not, and tailgate items cannot be brought inside the venue.

What time do the gates open at Star Lake?

Gates typically open 90 minutes before showtime — for a 7:00pm or 7:30pm show that means 5:30pm or 6:00pm. Parking lots open earlier (~4:30pm) so you can tailgate. Confirm the specific event on Ticketmaster — some stadium tours open doors at 5:00pm.

Where is The Pavilion at Star Lake?

665 Route 18, Burgettstown, PA 15021 — about 30 miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh, roughly a 40-minute drive on I-376 W and US-22 W. There is no public transit; most attendees drive or carpool.

What's the difference between Pavilion seats and Lawn?

The Pavilion is ~7,000 covered reserved seats under the roof — closer to the stage, protected from rain. The Lawn is a 16,000-capacity general-admission grass hill behind the pavilion — cheaper and casual, with distant views. Bring a low-back chair (max 9 inches off the ground) or a blanket.

What is the bag policy at Star Lake?

Clear bags only, max 12x6x12 inches, or a clutch max 4.5x6.5 inches. One factory-sealed water bottle up to 20oz per person. No outside food, no coolers, no umbrellas, no professional cameras.