Updated June 27, 2023: Fireworks viewing is no longer permitted at University of Arizona parking garages.

On Saturday, many Tucson families will take to the streets in search of the perfect perch for watching Fourth of July fireworks. But University of Arizona community members looking to avoid the holiday traffic jam are invited to view the fireworks from atop one a University parking garages.

In what's become an annual tradition at the UA, Parking and Transportation Services will reserve the top level of five campus parking garages for fireworks spectators.

UA community members are invited to bring their families and their lawn chairs to the Main Gate, Tyndall Avenue, Park Avenue, Highland Avenue and Sixth Street garages to enjoy a bird's eye view of the city's annual "A" Mountain fireworks display. Free parking will be available on all but the top levels of the garages beginning at 6 p.m. Portable toilet facilities will be set up in the Sixth Street, Highland Avenue and Main Gate garages.

"We want to provide a safe place for community members and people with families to enjoy the fireworks," said Bill Davison, marketing manager for PTS. "We've had people say you can't beat the location because you can see everything from the top of the garages."

Although the Tucson City Council threatened to cancel the "A" Mountain show this year due to budget constraints, donations from local businesses and anonymous donors saved the $34,000 fireworks display, helping keep alive the UA tradition as well.

While the garages are open to anyone in the Tucson community, students and employees of the UA are especially encouraged to attend with their friends and families, Davidson said.

Snacks are welcome, but alcohol, barbecues, glass containers and fires will not be allowed. Visitors also are prohibited from sitting on garage walls, Davidson said.

While other fireworks displays throughout town may also be visible from atop the garages, the "A" Mountain display, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m., will be the primary attraction, Davidson said.

For festivity updates or a map of campus parking garages, visit the PTS Web site or call 626-PARK (7275).