The Barbz will be convening in Oakland Arena on Friday night, where Nicki Minaj will be launching her first solo tour in eight years: Pink Friday 2 World Tour.
As you prepare for the night when Oakland will become “Gag City” on March 1, you may be looking for a game plan for parking at the venue or just getting in and out of the crowded, hectic stadium as painlessly as possible. Keep reading for our at-a-glance information on parking options, bag policy, public transit and more.
(And if you’re not attending the Nicki Minaj show on Friday but you live, work or commute in the region? This guide might not be for you, but you should be prepared for I-880 around surrounding routes to potentially be busy on Friday night before or after the show.)
Jump straight to:
- What’s the Oakland Arena bag policy?
- What should I know about parking at and near Oakland Arena?
- How can I take public transit to the Nicki Minaj concert?
What time is the Nicki Minaj show at Oakland Arena?
The show will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 1.
The doors at Oakland Area will open at 7 p.m.
What will the weather be like on Friday night in Oakland?
The National Weather Service predicts it will be raining Friday night with “possibly a thunderstorm before 10 p.m.” Even though the Oakland Arena is an indoor venue, it is best for you to plan ahead for transportation (and bring an umbrella or a hooded coat for your entry and exit).
What’s the Oakland Arena bag policy?
Bag check is not available at Oakland Arena, so you should plan ahead accordingly. Some things you cannot bring to the Nicki Minaj show on Friday include:
- Coolers
- Any type of backpacks
- Bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″
- Cigarettes
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Bats and clubs
- Outside food or beverage (as well as hard side containers like a thermos)
- Selfie sticks and tripods
- Strollers and portable chairs
- Seat cushions
- Large banners or flags
Empty soft plastic bottles are allowed, as well as binoculars and still cameras with lenses shorter than 3 inches.
Be careful if you’re choosing to stash anything in your vehicle during the show, as break-ins are unfortunately common around the Bay Area. Don’t leave anything on display in your car, especially electronics like laptops — even if you think they’re hidden from view.
What should I know about accessibility at Oakland Arena?
Oakland Arena has a guide on its accessibility services, which can be viewed on its website. Accessibility highlights include:
- Assisted Listening Devices are available in the First Aid Section 106. The First Aid section also includes “(s)ensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads.”
- Elevators are available at the west side, near Section 114 and the east side, near Section 101.
- You can call 510-383-5743 or email customerservice@coliseum.com for information or requests.
What should I know about parking at and near Oakland Arena?
Official parking spots at Oakland Arena for the Nicki Minaj show are still available on Ticketmaster, with general parking tickets for $40 and VIP parking for $80.
You can check websites like SpotHero for non-stadium parking spots nearby. If you’re doing this, be sure to map the route using a tool like Google Maps, to make sure you know how long you have to walk and the shortest route to do so — and wear comfy footwear.
How to take public transportation to the Nicki Minaj concert
Public transit schedules can always be subject to change. Check the timings for your route on the day of the show itself, and be sure of your very last service home.
The Oakland Arena is located near BART, the Capitol Corridor Amtrak train, and AC Transit. If you are taking the BART or Amtrak, you would need to get off the Coliseum Station and cross the ramp to the Arena.
If you are going to take an Uber or Lyft to or from the event, you will need to be picked up at Baldwin Gate. Baldwin Gate opens two hours before the event starts. Be aware that there will likely be a surge charge around this time due to the crowds.
How do I know if I’ve got a good seat at the Nicki Minaj show?
If you are anxious about anything obscuring your sight of the stage or how you want to get to your seat fast, you can check it out on Oakland Arena’s website or A View From My Seat.