Update Oct. 3:
First National Bank Arena posted a response to the implementation of its new cashless transaction policy, which includes purchasing parking, on its social media Friday morning.
In the statement, the arena said Thursday night’s concert was the first time using the fully cashless parking system.
“While the system itself worked, it created longer traffic delays than expected. We know this caused frustration, and we are committed to improving the process,” the statement said. “Moving forward, parking will be available for purchase at the same time as your event tickets, which will help reduce delays at the lots.”
The post added that staffing levels, traffic flows and parking lot opening times were being reviewed to “make arrival much smoother for future events.”
Previously:
Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Oct. 2, 2025 – Thursday night was the first time a new “cashless” transactions policy was used to facilitate paid event parking at First National Bank Arena.
Thursday’s event was the Toby Mac, MercyMe and Matthew West Christian artist concert. Arena officials had announced the fully cashless policy, including paid parking, on Sept. 23.
The concert began at 7 p.m. But long before then, social media lit up with posts and comments complaining about long traffic lines waiting to park, reportedly caused by painfully slow experiences with the paid parking “cashless” transaction devices.
“I drove my two 16-year-old girls all the way from Hot Springs just to worry if I will run out of gas waiting to park,” wrote Carmen Nichols in the comments on a First National Bank Arena Facebook post. “I am still a mile away and we left from our hotel an hour ago.”
“We’ve been in line for over an hour now,” wrote Laurie Arnold.
One of the advertised “perks” for the new cashless system was the ability to buy and pay for parking in advance. “How about a special entrance for parking for those that prepaid for parking?” questioned Krista Couch. “A separate line? No perks in paying ahead of time if you still have to wait 2+ hours to park.”
C.J. Bradley was disappointed that the arena only utilized two of its entrances for admission to Thursday night’s concert. “A-State should have to refund every single ticket to tonight’s concert,” Bradley wrote. “Having five entrances and only letting people enter in two of them is downright wrong. Been waiting for an hour now and have moved ten car lengths total.”
The arena utilized one entrance (yellow) for the recent Whiskey Myers and Dwight Yoakam concerts. Two entrances (yellow and red) were in use at the Jon Pardi concert on September 20.
JRN has asked for feedback from leaders at First National Bank Arena.
