DENVER -- Parking can be a challenge on a normal day downtown. With the convention in town there will be fewer spaces available in pay lots or on the street. Any street that is closed will be unavailable for parking as well as areas around the big events.

Denver parking officials don’t know how many metered spaces will be eliminated during the convention week but expect the number to be in the hundreds. Tentative parking restrictions will also be in place in areas away from the Pepsi Center, such as around some high-profile buildings like courthouses or government buildings.

Denver parking officers will be out in force, enforcing time limits and other parking violations such as parking in residential zones. Many illegally parked vehicles could also be towed away at the owner's expense.

You can expect some private lots to jack up the prices like they do for sporting events. Some lots will increase the daily rate and hourly rate for conventiongoers and downtown workers alike. Some lots have been eliminated for parties or other DNC functions and that will further limit the number of available spaces.

Unfortunately, using RTD may not eliminate your parking troubles. Many commuters will be packing the light rail and bus park-n-rides, making some of those lots fill up quicker than usual. Some of the further outlying lots could be the ones that have available spaces.

The day the convention moves to Invesco Field at Mile High parking once again will be an issue. Since it will be on a weekday any free Sunday spaces will not be available. Parking in the neighborhoods around the stadium will also be restricted to residents only. The lots around the stadium will be open and private lots will be open like for a Broncos game but once again, light rail or shuttle service might be the best way to get there if you plan to go.

If you have a parking tip or suggestion just email me at Jayson_luber@kmgh.com.