Syracuse Nats 2010-feedback

Since now you all have us on the HAMB- We would like to hear what you liked/dont like/want/dont want for the Syracuse Nats in 2010.

OK- go ahead- we can take it-we are all ears and want to hear it all so the show is even better than in 2009......
Cant guarantee all will be done- but itis YOUR show- and we will try if things need to be corrected/updated

 

I'll fill you in on why I haven't been back in a few years.....I was at the first one and a few more after that BUT there are way too many crap vendors, and I mean WAY TOO MANY, taking up valuable spaces for cars. So many spaces that you now announce over the loud speakers that people can't cruz around the fairgrounds?? Can't cruz?? It's a car show for christ sakes and the fairgrounds is large enough to accommodate folks cruzn around if you actually left enough room on the edges for people to walk but NO you've got to cram every last inch of space with a vendor.

I remember when cars actually backed into the edges of the center park area all around the perimeter. Imagine that, actually looking and feeling like a car event instead of a flea market.

That's why I won't be back. Remember, you asked.

 

In addition to the comments above, how about allowing tent camping. Some people, myself included, just can't see paying what they want for a motel room in the area. I know you allow motor homes, but i don't own one of those, and camping in a tent is more fun anyways.

 

The traditional hot rod section has been a great addition now all you have to do is figure out how to improve the swap meet and attract more Real Parts vendors, maybe make it part of the traditional car area. Hell Norwich and Wampsville swap meets dwarf the Nats swap meet so I know there is enough interest in the area to support a better swap meet. But congrats on the improved Traditional rod area.

 

I am sure when you rent from "New York State", they tell you what the rules are. And i am sure the Insurance Co has people there, looking at such things as Cruising. "Car Show" , never saw "Cruising" on any Ads

 

I have to agree with Denise. I only live an hour and a half away, and have gone to every one except this year. In fact, about 20 of us who normally go did not. I can say, aside from not seeing some friends there, i did not miss it. And from what i've gathered from the other's, the feeling is the same.
To crowded, no cruising, and relatively high prices to stay around there have kind of put a damper on the "fun" for us. Yes, i know you have no control over rooming prices, so that's not the associations fault. But there was a time in the beginning that the hotels gave a little better deal to show goers than they are now. It's gone up close to 50.00 per night..by the time i get home it can end up being a 600 weekend. Just not worth it.
As far as vendors taking up space, the place we used to park, which was NOT at all a prime spot, was taken over by a motor home exhibit.. Motor homes for sale at a car show that because of thier size no longer leave room for the car's? That's just plain stupid to me.

I can drive to the Jalopy Showdown, 300 miles away, have more fun and cost me less than half that including gas. So i do.
As a show, it's gotten bigger which i guess is what most of the "higher ups" want. Bigger means more money, but as a participant, it's taken a lot if not all of the enjoyment out of being there.
Just my 2 cents added to Denise's

Tony

 

You and the rest of the Rochester boys is what I miss most about mot attending this event, and of course other car pals as well as Dinosaurs BBQ. Yep, car events are about the people as much if not more then the cars themselves.

 

I have gone to many of the shows at Syracuse. I stopped attending like many of my friends. I stopped attending because of outrageous pricing going on at the hotels. 8 years ago I was able to get a room for under a hundred bucks, I make reservation for next years show at check out. My usual hotel is now $235.00 a night.

The show is set up upside-down the space where the cars should be is cluttered heavily with vendors and the space where vendors should be is a baron desert. The swap meet is non existent and the car corral seems to be an afterthought. The vendors and the swap meet area should be merged in the outskirts of the show and the main show should be around the pavilions and such.

Oh, yeah the $3.00 bottles of water and the outrageous food prices don't help either.

I will not be coming back and I only live 2 hours away. I also dropped my Right Coast membership. I definitely don't need that expense either.

 

Well I guess you guys asked for it - so here goes:

1) No matter who I talked to concerning the show, the one very negative comment I got concerned the vendors (especially the Snap-on set up!) taking up space that was previously set aside for participants with, for heaven's sake, actual cars;

2) The lack of cruising seriously takes away some of the fun of the participants;

3) The ceremony where the car is given away is excruciatingly long, so much so that I won't even go any more. There must be a way to eliminate the loooooooooong preliminaries that lead up to the awarding of the Right Coast giveaway car. To much inane blather. Stop it!!!; and

4) Make it stop raining!!! (Just busting on you.)

Basically, I like your show and would like it a lot better if you could fix my first three comments. The fourth, I'll leave up to that higher authority...

 

I live here and have been 3 times. I have more fun cruising the hotel parking lots at night. The Dewitt cops and the Sheriffs have made it unfriendly to actually have participants driving around except to and from the fair grounds.

And who in their right mind wants to pay an admission charge and then get to shop at Advance and AZ. Vendors should be on the Midway or the race track infield. Swap meet has been dissapointing since the 2nd year.

 

I DONT See where the hotel costs are any differnent than any major show.
but i do hate how the griveaways are done and basicly ignore them or leave before.

 

I liked the show this year and in the past, a lot of nice rides! and people, That why I go.Way to much walking too see them Have gone too every one so far. It's a 3 hour drive for me we go out on Saturday's usually bring about 6 people would like too get discount Tickets for admission The advance auto in Greenwich n.y. can't get them anymore not their district!! It would be nice to buy them on line ahead of time. It does get confusing walking around and finding food vender's theres no place too sit down to have a drink with out being elbow to elbow. The show is too big to enjoy in one day but like others have said it,s too expensive for me to take my ride their and spend the weekend. The vender's area is spread out to much, and I see no way too get something big out while the show is going looks impossible, I was looking at a frame but did not know how to get it out or get a truck near their spot so I did not buy it .I agree on the snap on display stuff cool but in the wrong spot. flea market car coral area sucks But I did have a good time and will be coming back in 2010 on my discount tickets And you guys do!! give back to the community!! Thanks for the show Joe

 

I live 4 hours away and have attended 7 of the 10 years, missing this last one. I agree that too many vendors taking up show space is a drag. I realize from a marketing point this may make sence, since in todays society, We tend to think we have to please all people. I don't mind seeing automotive vendors at these events, some things are interesting. But as others have said move them somewhere else. I can barely afford my hot rod let alone a new motorhome. We come to see the cars, hear the cars, smell the fragrance of burning octane. I went to one show at the grandstands to watch a friend in the burnout competition and stayed for the flame throwers but to be honest, I liked carefully cruisin the streets making sure not to squawk the tires cause that could get your car impounded. Thousands of people would come out on 7th north street and watch the cars cruise. Erie Blvd was also a happening place till they shut it down, and thats where alot of the restaurants are. Thats where the fun is, to see them out and about. I realize that the idiots doing funnycar burnouts in the street should be repromanded, but the hassels by the cops and participants is excessive. I often wonder why I have to pay $$$ for people to look at my car?? not just your show but at just about all cars shows. ( by the way, the $25.00 for the whole weekend is reasonable compared to other one day shows that want close to that amount) You tell us we bring into the Syracuse area over 11 million dollars for that weekend. So why can't we enjoy being out and about at night? Check into all the tickets given out that weekend, and also how many cars are impounded. Hotels need to be giving better rates, restaurants should be giving discounts. It's the car owners that make your show the success that it is, We bring in the multitude of people to check out our rides, not midway rides, or purse vendors. I think you have a good thing going , but you will lose it if things aren't changed. I still don't understand why there is such a long line Saturday morning to get into the place, hopefully to get a spot off the blacktop parking lot. No one wants to sit on a hot blacktop parking lot all day. Let them in, guys are showing up at 5:30 am let them in. I realize that you can only control what happens inside the fairgrounds, and not the surrounding areas, but I am sure with the amount of money generated from this show, The syracuse area would listen to your concerns. Two years ago, we went to Sweet Inspirations (About 40 minutes away from Syracuse) on Sat. night. We had a blast! They had a band, dancing, great affordable food and ice cream , great cruisin! Too bad they don't do more of this in Syracuse.

 

I have cut this weekend out two years ago.....with a family of four...the cost just does not warrant me being there! I save about $700.00 by not going to your event, total....hotel, fuel, food, membership etc....and I feel like I am not missing much! My buds gave up going as well, so we hit all the affordable events and have a lot more cash, fun, cruising and just hangin' out! After all...don't we the car owners bring in all that money and make the show for you guys!! I would like to see more discounts for the car owners across the board!!

 

OK- had some time to write up some of the responses and will try to address others in a bit (need to do some work in the office today as well....) We REALLY appreciate the comments- we want people to come back and attend!

In addition to the comments above, how about allowing tent camping. Some people, myself included, just can't see paying what they want for a motel room in the area. I know you allow motor homes, but i don't own one of those, and camping in a tent is more fun anyways. '

I agree with most of your post, all except the part “camping in a tent is more fun anyways”, I’ve just gotten too old for the lying on the ground with a root in my back thing!

All kidding aside, the “no tents allowed” is a New York State rule, not the Right Coast. I believe it stems from an incident during Super DIRT week when a 4 wheeler ran over a tent and the person in side was killed.

Please keep in mind that the promoters of the Syracuse Nationals are all born and raised in Syracuse. If you’re interested in tent camping call Keith (keith@rightcoastcars.com ) , the Office Manager, I’m sure he’ll help you find a local camp ground, not as good as staying on site, but it is an option.

The hotel issue is intolerable. What they have done is worked the best deals we can with a few hotels, the hotels are listed on the web site – it isn’t something they have a control over. Again, call the office; they know where to stay and where not to stay – and plan early. Calling a month prior to the show just allows the hotels to take advantage of your situation.

'The traditional hot rod section has been a great addition now all you have to do is figure out how to improve the swap meet and attract more Real Parts vendors, maybe make it part of the traditional car area. Hell Norwich and Wampsville swap meets dwarf the Nats swap meet so I know there is enough interest in the area to support a better swap meet. But congrats on the improved Traditional rod area.'

Plans for the Traditional Rods are under way for 2010. From what I hear, they are going to completely take over the beef barn area where the Tri-State Auction took place a few years ago for the entire weekend. More activities, more bands and more exposure!

The swap meet is lacking and somewhat limited on space. They try to keep the Car Corral and Swap Meet together, but the Car Corral has out grown it space and is encroaching on the Swap Meet area. They could relocate one to another area, but I don’t think both could move together due to space limitations. It was mentioned to move the Swap meet to the infield, but because of the fire works, overflow camping, and staging for the grandstand show, this isn’t possible. It would have to be moved to a pretty remote location maybe out buy gate 10 or maybe between turns two and three on the cinder & dirt track, but then I think sales would suffer as many people may not want to venture in there, but it is something to look at.

'Oh, yeah the $3.00 bottles of water and the outrageous food prices don't help either.'

Right Coast has absolutely no control over the food vendors at the show. All moneys received from the food vendors is kept by the vendors and a portion is given to the State of NY depending on their individual contracts. In fact, it actually costs the Right Coast to have the vendors open as they have to give free tickets to all the vendors and thier employees. It is allowed for you to bring in water (cooler) if you want to. I know plenty of participants and vendors alike who stop at their local grocery store on the way.

'No matter who I talked to concerning the show, the one very negative comment I got concerned the vendors (especially the Snap-on set up!) taking up space that was previously set aside for participants with, for heaven's sake, actual cars;'

They knew the Snap On Display took away car space, so they paid to rent the Indian Village opened up, which in the past years was not tolerated by the Onondaga Indian Counsel. Try to keep in mind that they want quality car vendors for the participants and Snap On fits this bill. I assume many would say to kick out the smaller vendors to make room, but the actual size of the Snap On Display limits its location. My answer to this is to relocate the trailers, which was a smaller display this year than last year because of complaints, freeing up parking across from Snap On along the fence from gate 2 to gate 4.

'The lack of cruising seriously takes away some of the fun of the participants;'

Yes, cruising is great…death is not. It just gets too packed on Saturday to allow cruising, it just takes one hot head (and I’m sure you all know one) to plow into a crowd, or even one person, and it is game over folks. Remember everyone is not as responsible and sober as you are.

'The ceremony where the car is given away is excruciatingly long, so much so that I won't even go any more. There must be a way to eliminate the loooooooooong preliminaries that lead up to the awarding of the Right Coast giveaway car. To much inane blather. Stop it!!!; '

Agreed and guilty as charged. They are trying to shorten the ceremony, but time has to be given to each of the individual car clubs that volunteer at the show to present their checks to their charities and that can be time consuming and then the calling of all the prize numbers…bla, bla, bla…in a nut shell it just has to me moved along…it even bores me.
'Make it stop raining!!! (Just busting on you.) '

Come on Syracuse in July!!! Your lucky it hasn’t snowed yet! I heard Bob O’Connor once say (because weather is always an issue) that if we held a show in the Alps he was sure we could melt the snow.


It has been brought up in the past about the non-car related vendors at the show. It is always a tough call when it comes to these vendors. First and for most, they have never turned away a car related vendor or a show car from the grounds.

Also, these non-car related vendors keep coming back because they are doing business there – they are not going to pay booth rental fees if they are not making money so some is buying from them.

So if I could be bold enough to say that maybe the complaint here is that the car participants want to park where the non-car related vendor is located? If those vendors were removed the spots they occupied would only be filled up with other vendors – it still wouldn’t free up spaces for parking, it would just redistribute the parking and vendor spots. But like I said earlier…some one is buying that purse that is shaped like a dog but has wheels from a 32 for legs!

 

The vender's area is spread out to much, and I see no way too get something big out while the show is going looks impossible, I was looking at a frame but did not know how to get it out or get a truck near their spot so I did not buy it
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If you would like to purchase something large, see some one at gate 7. They will make arrange to get someone in there with something to get your part out. Depending on size, it may not happen ASAP, but if they can make it happen, they will.
I DONT See where the hotel costs are any different than any major show.
But I do hate how the giveaways are done and basically ignore them or leave before.

Trouble here is the hotel industry takes advantage of any event htat comes into any town. Let&#8217;s face it, it is Syracuse, many of those rooms are $79.00 and other weekend of the year. Like I said before, call the office 800-753-3978 or go the www.rightcoastcars.com -we refuse to list a hotel that is gouging their customers.

I still don't understand why there is such a long line Saturday morning to get into the place, hopefully to get a spot off the blacktop parking lot. No one wants to sit on a hot blacktop parking lot all day. Let them in, guys are showing up at 5:30 am let them in.

Keep in mind that they are bound by State Property rules. They are not holding this event in a corporate owned parking lot. Think of like when you were razing teenagers &#8211; &#8220;my house, my rules&#8221; this is State property &#8211; &#8220;state&#8217;s house, state&#8217;s rules&#8221;; however, I do know that once traffic reaches State Fair Boulevard, the State Police force the Fairgrounds to open the gates! Twisted logic, but I guess the answered is to have MORE cars show up earlier so the State Police give the go ahead.

I realize that you can only control what happens inside the fairgrounds, and not the surrounding areas, but I am sure with the amount of money generated from this show, The Syracuse area would listen to your concerns. Two years ago, we went to Sweet Inspirations (About 40 minutes away from Syracuse) on Sat. night. We had a blast! They had a band, dancing, great affordable food and ice cream, great cruising! Too bad they don't do more of this in Syracuse.

Yes, Sweet Inspirations is a nice place and an advertiser and supporter of the Right Coast. They are in Oswego County, not Onondaga County, different county, different mentality&#8230;sad, but true.

I would like to see more discounts for the car owners across the board!!

The cost of this show is $35.00/$45.00 (advance sale and day of the show respectively) or a member&#8217;s price of $20.00/$30.00 (advance sale and day of the show respectively). This includes tickets for two adults, for all three days of the show. It also includes unlimited children under the age of 16 (provided they are riding in the show car with you). The show its self has free entertainment, free tech seminars, free grandstand shows and free fire works. I don&#8217;t know of any other show that offers this kind of value.
You can wrap up $45.00 (our highest ticket price) for a two hour movie after buying something to drink and a snack. Check out the rates at any other large show, you will find we are below the industry average.


Hope we have answered some burining issues for you so far and want to keep working with you all... Dont ever hesitate to call us to voice concerns as well.800-753-3978-thank you

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So, in a nutshell nothing sounds like it is going to change. I will therefore continue to attend the KKOA event in Salina, KS the same weekend, which is TWICE as far for me to travel then Syracuse but in my opinion well worth the extra distance. While the BBQ is not quite as good the event is superior. I'm sure the RC organization won't miss me though.

I will add that events much larger then the Syracuse Nats allow for cruzn the fairgrounds all weekend long, the Back to the 50's in St Paul, MN comes to mind, the NSRA Nats in L'ville and the Columbus GG, and I've never heard of anyone getting plowed over by a car. Your reasoning is jacked. Cars move into the fairgrounds and out of the fairgrounds with people walking around so in reality cruzn during the event would be no different.

 

What we are saying Denise is that many things are beyond our control and regulated by the State. We do want to hear what people have to say because after 10 years- we are sure there are things that need to change or update- EVERYTHING does after a while.Same old Same old would end up dull boring and redundant.

We ARE revisiting the idea of having cruising on non peak hours so we dont have any injuries- trying just to walk through some of those areas is treacherous on foot because of the amount of people duirng the busy times!

At least our organization is out asking for feedback before making changes- not all do- some will just do what they want and dont care who they upset- The Right Coast isnt like that- we value our membership and show participants- or we wouldnt have bothered to even post this thread.

Thanks for your input- we dont know what needs to be looked at unless people tell us (although it would be nice to hear what things people LIKE too... )

 

Ok, I could word it differently.....people like to cruz, after all it is a car event.

I remember a few years ago when Mickey Lauria lent us gals his brand spanking new t-bucket, right out of his display booth, and told us to cruz the wheels off it. We must have cruzed that bucket around the fairgrounds for 6 hours straight. Never killed anyone, or even came close.

Those congested areas, and I know exactly where you mean, just need to get the vendor booths outta there which widens the passageways. Set the vendors up in rows on that huge expanse of asphalt out back by the car entrance like other large events do. Leave the trees and grass for the cars and people.

Oh yeah, possitive, I like the trees and grassy areas by the bandshell.

 

I went to the first one! it was good, them I moved to So-Cal! I read all the questions, and then your answers....UMM ya...all you did was pass the buck!!! You did not say you were going to work on anything, just thats the way it is and too bad!!!!!

 

I have been there the past 3 years, I enjoy the show and enjoy the R.C. volunteers that run it. I hate that I get screwed every year by the same hotel whos rates go up $ 35-40 every year I wont go back there. I hate some of the crap cars that you allow on the grounds as participants, surely a rusted out 78 Ford ex taxicab should not cut it, but it does. I hate that I can buy my wife a set of Egyption bed sheets to get over the fact that i did not bring her along. (she loved them) but that is beside the point. I hate that I have to walk around several new Motor Homes to look at the particpant cars, never mind all the room they take up. I am not sure if I will be back again or not, if there was a better alternative I would not return. Thanks for letting me sound off, I feel better now and I am off to the G.G. show in the Poconos.

 

Bummer your car overheats, mine doesn't.

 

Because I am lazy....and they dont allow golf carts

 

What I like... Around 7000 cool cars in one place!

 

If you don't understand cruzn perhaps you are on the wrong message board.

 

Truthfully speaking, they are not. But when they start around 89.00 a night, and are now 150.00 at the same hotel, for the same room, it seem's a little bit over inflated.
As i said before, i know very well that it has nothing to do with the promoters of the show. But it is something that does have an effect on people attending. Especially those who go on Thursday and stay until Sunday as we always did.

As far as the vendors taking up show car space, the place we always parked was along the fence next to the main road (same side as the gate to get in is) just much further down in front of the buildings. That area was always full of cars, last year it was full of motor homes.

I do think it's good that you guy's are asking for thoughts on the show, maybe it will make a difference.

And Denise, the people ARE the reason we go..

Tony

 

Not passing the buck at all- just trying to start to give some answers and we are open to all feedback as well as suggestions- maybe you have an idea for fixing something that we have yet to think of ? Its possible so please let us know- and as always - you can always call us too 800-753-3978.

We cant make everyone happy and we know that but we want to try- hence why we have opened up this line of communication on the HAMB.

We take every comment seriously and wanted to respond with something so you didnt think we were just posting idle messages. We are reviewing - we take your comments seriously- we cant change the State regulations but the things we can change - if need be- we will work on and try to make better.

Guess we must be doing something right with over 7100 cars in 2009....

Thanks

 

I know, and it's not even a choice in his poll, shame really.

and what's with Mag coverage?? Like that would be a main reason someone would go to any event?

So, if the percentages stay the same 76% of the people are there for the cars and really don't care about anything else. Makes since to me to pare down the vendors, stick them on the back 40 asphalt lot leaving more room for cars and cruzn. There, I fixed it!

 

surprisingly- there are a few people who call our Office every year to ask what magazines will be there for coverage....

It is the people on why we attend but the cars are what got us to meet each other.

Glad to hear you traveled such a distance to our shows- we like to see people drive and enjoy their rides as much as they can. Thanks.

 

What ever happened to your show at Eastern States Fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass.?? I went to the first one.....not sure if there was any more events held by you guys in that location??