Bristol Motor Speedway
#1
03-16-2008, 08:44 AM
Bristol Motor Speedway
BRISTOL, Tenn. — So, it’s race weekend and you don’t have tickets.
Not surprising, considering Bristol Motor Speedway’s widespread reputation as one of the hottest — that is, hardest to get — tickets in sports.
Some say a ticket to a Cup race at BMS, in fact, is second in “hard-to-getness” only to a ticket to the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.
One thing’s certain. There’s going to be a big ol’ crowd at BMS this weekend — inside the track and out. BMS seats more than 160,000. But the crowd estimate for the immediate area, including campgrounds, parking areas and such, usually runs far higher.
Why would thousands of people, even tens of thousands of people by some estimates, go to a venue with no hope of getting in?
It’s simple really: To see stuff, eat stuff, buy stuff and get stuff.
Acres of land around BMS become a virtual midway when NASCAR is in town, offering the chance, twice each year, to explore and experience, for the fan and the non-fan, alike.
Seeing stuff
OK. First off, you’re not going to find a better place to just plain people-watch. Stand in the right spot long enough, and you might see a driver. You’ll at least see pit crew members, especially after the race ends — if you hang out that long — as hordes of these guys make a dash for their cars, parked in the far reaches, just like yours, to try and get a jump on the trip to the next stop on the NASCAR circuit.
Not a race fan, you say? Well, how’s this: You could see Elvis. I did last race. And the back of his jumpsuit was dirty. I mean coal-dust dirty. Then, there was the very hirsute man wearing the rhinestone halter top (overheard conversation hinted he’d lost a bet to this race-day buddies).
If people aren’t your thing at all, there’s plenty other stuff to see — including exhibits (hear the history of and see how Jack Daniel’s is made at one stop) and demonstrations (there’s an obstacle course this weekend to show the toughness of a new truck).
Eating stuff
Deep-fried Oreos. Freshly made pork rinds. Funnel cakes. Hand-squeezed lemonade and hand-dipped corn dogs. Chicken on a stick. Those are just a few of the typical offerings from food vendors set up around the track.
Buying stuff
If you’re a serious race fan, you’re going to have to have a little something from your driver’s souvenir ... er, “official, licensed merchandise” line. You get this from the big, heavily team-decorated trailers parked right outside the gates to the stands. They sell everything from key chains to car tags to 8x10 glossy photos, woven throws and leather jackets. This year could be especially busy for “Red Army” shoppers, who might now be “going green.” Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans, who’ve been dressing head to toe in the red of his former No. 8 Bud car, transition to the green, white and black palette of his new No. 88 ride?
But shopping isn’t limited to solely NASCAR items. Where else are you going to find a “butt saver” for only $10 (it’s a cushion to fit stadium seating) or a “John Drunk” T-shirt?
Many, if not most, vendors accept credit and/or debit cards.
Lots of samples and promotional items are given out — everything from antacid tablets, over-the-counter pain relief and barbecue sauce to aftershave, cologne and suntan lotion.
My favorite “thanks for stopping by” gift so far: Pictures with the Crown Royal girls — sitting on a purple throne. And, yes, it was FREE.
Drinks are available for purchase at some vendors — prices range anywhere from $7 per shot to $11 per shot.
(You must be 21 to enter the alcohol-related vendors’ tents or attraction location, and they DO check identification)
If you go
Dress appropriately: Check the weather, and if possible dress in layers this time of year to provide convertible comfort. You’re going to be walking A LOT, so go with suitable footwear. Take a hat, whether it’
Not surprising, considering Bristol Motor Speedway’s widespread reputation as one of the hottest — that is, hardest to get — tickets in sports.
Some say a ticket to a Cup race at BMS, in fact, is second in “hard-to-getness” only to a ticket to the opening ceremonies for the Olympics.
One thing’s certain. There’s going to be a big ol’ crowd at BMS this weekend — inside the track and out. BMS seats more than 160,000. But the crowd estimate for the immediate area, including campgrounds, parking areas and such, usually runs far higher.
Why would thousands of people, even tens of thousands of people by some estimates, go to a venue with no hope of getting in?
It’s simple really: To see stuff, eat stuff, buy stuff and get stuff.
Acres of land around BMS become a virtual midway when NASCAR is in town, offering the chance, twice each year, to explore and experience, for the fan and the non-fan, alike.
Seeing stuff
OK. First off, you’re not going to find a better place to just plain people-watch. Stand in the right spot long enough, and you might see a driver. You’ll at least see pit crew members, especially after the race ends — if you hang out that long — as hordes of these guys make a dash for their cars, parked in the far reaches, just like yours, to try and get a jump on the trip to the next stop on the NASCAR circuit.
Not a race fan, you say? Well, how’s this: You could see Elvis. I did last race. And the back of his jumpsuit was dirty. I mean coal-dust dirty. Then, there was the very hirsute man wearing the rhinestone halter top (overheard conversation hinted he’d lost a bet to this race-day buddies).
If people aren’t your thing at all, there’s plenty other stuff to see — including exhibits (hear the history of and see how Jack Daniel’s is made at one stop) and demonstrations (there’s an obstacle course this weekend to show the toughness of a new truck).
Eating stuff
Deep-fried Oreos. Freshly made pork rinds. Funnel cakes. Hand-squeezed lemonade and hand-dipped corn dogs. Chicken on a stick. Those are just a few of the typical offerings from food vendors set up around the track.
Buying stuff
If you’re a serious race fan, you’re going to have to have a little something from your driver’s souvenir ... er, “official, licensed merchandise” line. You get this from the big, heavily team-decorated trailers parked right outside the gates to the stands. They sell everything from key chains to car tags to 8x10 glossy photos, woven throws and leather jackets. This year could be especially busy for “Red Army” shoppers, who might now be “going green.” Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans, who’ve been dressing head to toe in the red of his former No. 8 Bud car, transition to the green, white and black palette of his new No. 88 ride?
But shopping isn’t limited to solely NASCAR items. Where else are you going to find a “butt saver” for only $10 (it’s a cushion to fit stadium seating) or a “John Drunk” T-shirt?
Many, if not most, vendors accept credit and/or debit cards.
Lots of samples and promotional items are given out — everything from antacid tablets, over-the-counter pain relief and barbecue sauce to aftershave, cologne and suntan lotion.
My favorite “thanks for stopping by” gift so far: Pictures with the Crown Royal girls — sitting on a purple throne. And, yes, it was FREE.
Drinks are available for purchase at some vendors — prices range anywhere from $7 per shot to $11 per shot.
(You must be 21 to enter the alcohol-related vendors’ tents or attraction location, and they DO check identification)
If you go
Dress appropriately: Check the weather, and if possible dress in layers this time of year to provide convertible comfort. You’re going to be walking A LOT, so go with suitable footwear. Take a hat, whether it’
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