I have checked into the hotel situation because I have been mulling this over since last New Years Day. The Mariott usually sells out for our event any time, so there will be no difference on New Years Eve if you get in there. We always have a full house there.
The regular racers rate hotels will have these racers rates for double rooms:
The Fort Wayne Marriott will be the same as last year $79 with taxes included for Dec. 30 and the night of Jan. 1. They will raise to $99 plus taxes for New Years Eve. They told me they were full on reservations as of Dec. 1. So if you book early, everyone can get in. Just book by Thanksgiving. The regular rate on this hotel is $129, so it is still a good deal. Indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, and Rum Runners Dueling piano bar.
Halls Guesthouse will be the same as last year at $56 with taxes included for Dec. 30 and the night of Jan. 1. They will raise to $79 plus taxes for New Years Eve. They told me they were full on reservations as of Dec. 1. So if you book early, everyone can get in. Just book by Thanksgiving.
The Holiday Inn across the street from the Coliseum provides a shuttle service, and free breakfast. This 6 story hotel also has a restaurant and indoor pool. The rates there will be: $129 plus tax (regular rate) on December 31 and $79 plus tax ($9 less than last year) on Dec 30 andJanuary 1.
There are numerous other decent motels- One year Jason Therkelson had Red Roof Inn as a sponsor..the rate was $45...
Fort Wayne is really known for the amount of restaurants and nightclubs near the Coliseum. There are scores of great places to check out, and I will provide a listing of all the hotels within a 5 mile radius. I am sure there will be open rooms at the good hotels downtown too..Within 10 minutes of the Coliseum.
There is one precedent for running on these dates. The Tulsa Shootout runs on the same dates...and they have 1,000 entries. They have no problem getting rooms on the New Year Holiday. (Our event already conflicts with the Shootout no matter what dates I pick. They moved their event to those dates a few years ago.) Tulsa and Fort Wayne are pretty close hotel count wise.
One other idea I have is to ring in the New Year with a Party In The Midget Pits. Fans could mingle with the teams..we have big screen TVs..and music going till 12:30 am. I have a couple of special racing media guests in mind to play their favorite tunes.
I have Crazy Pinz as a sponsor..sports bars, restaurants, and rock and roll bowling...in a huge complex...5 miles away..This would be a great place to have fun.
http://www.crazypinz.com/
No need to worry about the traffic around the Coliseum..it is always heavy..and slow with all the stoplights!..nothing new there!...Pleny of cabs, etc..
I want to hear from more promotion minded fans, officials, teams on what you think...take a minute to give me your input.
Best,
Tony Barhorst
www.rumbleseries.com
Photo.Billy Wease wins his fourth Rumble Series event, and third at Fort Wayne after sweeping both nights in 09. (Todd Ridgeway photo)