The above looks good but the local and state politicians have the final say. This could change with the stroke of a pen.
1. For drop off it's probably easier to be dropped off at the hotel and use that gate. The main spectator gate involves a tunnel that goes under the road. It's a much longer walk. But also depends on where the scooter rentals are at . I can say that the hotel gate has them. There is also assurance at the main spectator gate. 2. For the older folk. I would recommend a scooter if you don't get around well. 3. If you don't have a special show pass (like a car in the show). You just spectator. I believe the fate hours pertain to you. I would recommend everyone bring a sac lunch a water. The prices of food at the fairplex are high. I know you all hate spending 25.00 on a crappy hotdog. as far as the size of the show. It's mainly all contained within the FairPlex auditoriums. About 5 total. One of them bing the large one with all the contenders. The suedepalace is across on the right when you come in as a spectator. First you see the Little Mexico area. That is mostly local clubs about 4-5. Then the suede palace. You will see driven in Hotrods between the two. The sweet palace has all the customs and hot rods that are invited , then past the suede palace most of all the driven in kustoms show up. That keeps rolling around to the right and he gets mixed with the good guys type hot rods and custom so drive-in. So that loops you back to where Galpin motor usually has a pop-up. The main vendor row. Then, besides each one of the auditorium, there's basically rows of cars of more people that were driven in. Depending on their past, they might just be there for one day so I feel like the car take pictures then
Two years ago parking was $20 and goes up every year.So, no telling what it's going to cost this year. GNRS has nothing to do with parking prices but it's all about the fairground pricing. Also, you're going to pay fairground prices on food and drinks which is sky high and they don't allow us to bring in our own.
you can bring what you need if in you are driving in an old car in. Also if you are spectatorparking you can go out to your parked car. So you can take a walk and eat at your car. Bring a lunch. They stamp your hand and come back in. Not sure what the drive in price is after the 22nd but it's 100.00 this year pre register. Tickets are 40.00 at gate. I think you get a few bucks off of you buy the tickets at an orielys auto parts. But if you can wake up early and bring someone the best way is to drive an old car in. It's only worth it if you come in with someone. $40x2 and &20 parking. Then bring in the ice chest and food or whatever. It's just an early wake up and a long day if you want to see the band.
When there's a disaster like this going on, what I think of is how overutilized the first responders already are. Accidents happen, so for instance if you flood the area with people for the show and there are some related car accidents, will that have an impact on available resources for the fires? The question could be no, but something I think of.
Services are people who are trying to earn a living and goods that are going to be stretched. Each visitor is going to have to weigh if this is worth going, just as they would if this wasn't happening. Watch out for gouging, just as you would going to any event. Try to enjoy what you have traveled for, while being mindful that the community has been hard hit, but relies on your attendance. The other people on the street, taking your ticket and cleaning your room may be going through some serious stuff, but are there because without that service they provide or share, they would be in an even worse position. LA, like a lot of big cities, can chew you up or provide things that aren't available anywhere else. Don't get conned, but don't fight over something that means very little in the long run either. To sum up, be a good part of the civilization!
I think I’ll pass this year. Was planning to attend for my birthday. Getting a place to stay is normally a Challange but now even more. There’s always the LA Roadster Show in June. Something to consider, double check with the hotel/motel. The government will sometimes come in and buy up an entire establishment to house the firefighters. Not all will inform guests that they’ve been booted.
My wife and I have flights, hotel, rental car all scheduled. BUT considering the fires, so many displaced families, etc. we've decided to cancel our trip. We can go next year and possibly the SAC Autorama in May this year.
1st time going, been a bucket list for many years. So excited, have checked their facebook page numerous times, and they continually say it is a go and fires will not affect the show.
It is the first time for us too and we can't wait. As long as those in charge say it is a go we will be there! There will only be one 75th anniversary!
Another thing to consider, especially for the older people, is that I am sure the air quality is going to absolutely suck.
I made a reservation for Thursday and Friday in Diamond Bar a few minutes ago. Just a few miles away. Stayed there before. No issue getting a room, but I wouldn’t advise lollygagging.
I've lived in the LA area all my life. I've been going to the GNRS every year since 2009. Pomona is pretty far from where the fires are - 35 miles from Altadena and 45 miles from Pacific Palisades. There are plenty of hotels in the immediately impacted area of where the fires are to house any displaced residents and first responders from out of the area. The GNRS will not be impacted at all. And I played golf last Saturday in Encino, just 18 miles from Pacific Palisades, and the air was as clear as a bell. In three weeks the fires will be practically fully contained and the air quality will be fine.
I went to the 50th. if I could have gotten a room at the host hotel at the Fairplex, I would have gone this year. I waited too long to get a room. My fault. I'm old enough now that I wouldn't remember much of the trip without pics so I'll be watching youtube for walk arounds. it sure isn't the same as being there but I weighed the factors and made a decision. To all who go, I expect you to talk about it for years to come. Best wishes to all.
Air quality will be a non-issue (It's January!). If it's a concern for you, you can follow this link & know before you go. https://www.aqmd.gov/
I've been to the GNRS twice, had not planned to go this year, but seeing all the former winners would have ben great. The fires and the losses they brought just drained any reason for me to go out there. Photos of cars I've never see will be just fine. Bob
As of today, the website says they are not impacted by the fires. I’ll be there Saturday. https://rodshows.com/grand-national/ John