The National Comedy Center officials have added a message to the exterior screens to assist people with finding parking in the downtown area. P-J photo by Dennis Phillips

You might have noticed a new message on the scrolling screen on the exterior of the National Comedy Center.

On the bottom of both screens, the message reads ” Parking info, text ‘PARK’ to 888111.”

Gary Hahn, National Comedy Center marketing and communications director, said the new message is to make it easier for patrons to find parking in the city.

“As visitors come in, we are looking to find out what we aren’t providing. It became clear that they wanted more information about parking,” he said. “As we did our research, people were saying they weren’t sure where to park. We don’t have a lot next door or adjacent to the structure for out-of-towners, so we’re trying to help them.”

Hahn said when someone texts they will see a map with the nearest parking locations. He said National Comedy Center officials will also be updating its website to provide additional parking information. He added there will also be maps available outside the doors of the facility as well.

“We are doing research constantly. We will be looking for other ways to get information out too,” he said. “One of the ways to help with parking was to implement the text information on the screens as people drive by.”

On street city parking is metered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free parking area within the business district is limited to two hours per day. There are three parking garages in the downtown: the Spring Street garage, with entrances along East Fourth and Spring streets; North Main Street garage, with entrances along West Second and West First streets, and Cherry Street garage, with an entrance along West Fourth and West Fifth streets.

People can also call 484-2222 or visit comedycenter.org/parking for more information.