City Creek officials have given shoppers 5,000 reasons to come to the center. That is the number of well-lit, underground parking spaces that are free for the first hour.

The massive garage also is accessible from all four of the bordering streets: West Temple, South Temple, State Street and 100 South. And, suburbanites in your Suburbans, don't fret: The garage is designed to accommodate compact cars and SUVs.

Parking cost for the second hour is $1, $2 for a third hour and $5 for four hours. The daily maximum is $20 and the charge for a lost ticket also is $20.

Escalators and elevators from the garage extend directly to Nordstrom and Macy's as well as the shopping gallerias on both blocks. Retailers, at their discretion, offer parking validations with purchases.

Valet parking is available in the middle of Regent Court (on the Macy's block), across from The Cheesecake Factory. The stand also serves as a drop-off for taxis and motor coaches. Drivers must enter Regent one way off 100 South and exit onto State Street.

TRAX stops near the sky bridge on Main Street and another nearer Nordstrom on South Temple and West Temple, provide public-transportation options near prominent entry points.

And, in an effort to simplify street parking, Salt Lake City leaders have revamped downtown's parking-meter system. Now, instead of the coin-operated meters, motorists will see digital, blue parking stations that accept debit and credit cards (plus change) and do not require a receipt placed on the dashboard.