The 2019 NASCAR season is right around the corner, and one of the key dates to keep on your radar is October 7th- 9th, when some of NASCAR’s biggest stars will join forces at the legendary Dixie Speedway in South Carolina for a three-day event known as the Halloween Hamlet.
While you may know and love NASCAR for its large, open-air tracks that are reminiscent of the golden era of motorsports, the sport has diversified significantly in recent years, expanding its schedule to include night races in an effort to increase fan engagement. If you’re planning on attending any of these events, then you might want to consider the ticket pricing structure as a whole, as well as the different tiers of seating that are available.
The Cost Of General Admission
The good news is that all NASCAR events, including the prestigious Halloween Hamlet, are now free to the public. This is a massive change from previous years, when tickets cost anywhere from $15 to $60 and parking was a significant component of the overall ticket price. While there are still some tickets that cost more than $100, the vast majority of races are now free to the general public.
Having said that, tickets to the most popular events, like the NASCAR Cup Series, are still quite expensive, with the cheapest general admission ticket going for $40 and the most expensive one topping out at around $300. For those looking to enjoy sports and music together, festival grandstands are available for the low price of $15 for the entire duration of the three-day event.
While this may come as a significant blow to those wanting to attend one of NASCAR‘s biggest events during the season, it’s worth noting that there are ways to get great deals. For example, if you’re planning on attending a NASCAR race during one of its off-peak seasons or if you’re seeking a ticket for one of the less popular events, then you may want to consider looking into the secondary market or seeking out discounts.
Ticket Types And Prices
One of the most significant changes in recent years is that NASCAR has switched to a points system, where the higher your finish in a race, the more points you accumulate. This tends to even out the field and provide a more competitive balance, where even the middle-of-the pack drivers can make a big impact.
As a result of the new point system, a driver’s standing depends on a combination of performance and luck. This means that over a period of several weeks or months, the prize money for top-level drivers can vary significantly, making races more unpredictable and exciting than ever before. It also provides a greater degree of engagement for the fans, who come from all parts of the world to watch some of NASCAR‘s top stars battle it out for victory.
This year, the most expensive tickets are sold for the highly sought-after Cup Series. These are the races that determine the champion, and with only 12 events (instead of the usual 26), fans may have to pay more for the privilege of seeing their favorite drivers battle it out. The next-most-expensive event is the Xfinity Series; these are the races that build the grid for the NASCAR Cup Series.)
The least-expensive tickets, in ascending order, are as follows:
- Wrangler Jeans Junior Touring Series – $15
- ARCA Racing Series – $25
- Dirt Track North Series – $35
- Dirt Track South Series – $45
- Mid South Series – $55
- Southwest Series – $65
- Crown Jewelry Series – $75
- Sunshine Showdown Series – $85
- Track Championship Series – $95
- Penny Streaks – $105
- Kluge Classic Series – $115
- Track Battle – $125
As you can see, there are a number of different ticket options available, from general admission all the way up to premium seating. These are some of the most popular tickets, so if you can’t afford them at the above prices, then there are a number of options you can look into. While you might not be able to get a seat at the front of the grandstand, you can always get a spot in the stands, which are located a short walk from the track. Many tracks offer perks for students and senior citizens, so be sure to check out their websites for details.
The Great Bargains Of The Secondary Market
One of the great things about the new point system is the fact that it rewards those who buy tickets in advance. This is because races that are at least six months away from taking place are marked as “reserved” and can only be purchased at premium seats. For those needing help financing their NASCAR dreams (or those who just want to cut down on the holiday shopping headache), the secondary market offers great opportunities for those seeking discounts.
There are a number of websites, like TicketIQ and Goldstar, that specialize in selling discounted tickets to events, most notably, sports and music events. While it might be difficult to obtain prime seats at some of the more popular sports venues during the season, there are often great deals to be had in the secondary market. Some of the best tickets for the upcoming NASCAR season have already been sold, so now is the right time to make your move.
The Great Deals At Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster, the world-famous secondary market ticket resale company, has an entire section of their website dedicated to providing discounted tickets for sports and entertainment events that are available for the 2019-20 season. They also have a section of their site devoted to providing exclusive, discounted tickets for popular music festivals, like Coachella and Burning Man. If you’re looking for a great deal, then Ticketmaster is the place to be!
These are just some of the many ways in which you can enjoy the upcoming season of NASCAR, with tickets either being sold directly at the venue or through a secondary market. From parking to entry, finding the best prices is a matter of doing some research online before making your purchase.