We are contemplating going the Midget/Stock car race in St. Louis in December. Whose been? I think last year was the first year for the Midgets to be there. They are pretty proud of the tickets. Is it worth it? Is there parking near the stadium? Pros and cons from last year?? Thoughts?
Not been personally, but am going this year with a gang that's been twice.
Plenty of parking around the Dome, but expect to pay about $20. Food is costly, like attending NASCAR or NBA, NFL expensive. Tickets aren't especially cheap, but I didn't find the price a rip off. (Forget what I paid). If you want a pit pass, that's an expensive add on. Thursday they are running a full prelim night for Midget and Mods and is an additional ticket, GA seating. That's a pretty big bummer in my opinion, as format wasn't announced until after ticket sales by couple of months; and by then plans have to be made... so no Thursday for me, and feel like you are now legit missing part of the event. (Up sale on Thursday makes it harder to justify the full weekend as well anyhow.)
Also, apparently no exit re-entry, so you will be held hostage (as I like to say) inside the Dome for SEVERAL hours. Have heard complaining about that for last couple of years; but more so last year when they added the midget class which made the days longer. {Which is why Thursday is now a full prelim night, to help with run time of the show each day}
Park at Casino Queen on the Illinois side of the river and hop on Metrolink. Its the second stop the train makes fron Casino Queen. Parking is free and Metrolink train is $1.00 each way.
It's all in the eye of the beholder. Lodging within walking distance of the building is going to be quite pricey and in most cases parking is charged in addition to the lodging costs. If you stay far enough away from the downtown St. Louis area where lodging costs are lower you will have urban traffic congestion to put up with as well as parking within a reasonable distance of the building will most likely be more than $20.00 per day. As has been said previously, food and beverages are (over) priced at bigger city levels. When all things are totaled up and considered it's going to be a rather expensive racing excursion. And those, like us, who aren't all that enamored with going to see races in an urban setting won't be exactly comfortable in downtown St. Louis.
It's very sad that the traditional December midget racing at Du Quoin isn't going to happen this year. Lodging, food and beverage is half or less than that of St. Louis. Value for the money in all regards was much, much better than St. Louis and no more than one support class was involved at Du Quoin, if that, and the midgets were the headline division. Good, clean and plentiful rooms were/are available for $70.00 a night within 20 minutes of the fairgrounds. The Du Quoin event was very well supported by participants and spectators alike and it seemed to have built a fair amount of traditional momentum. Don't know what happened but we sure wish it hadn't gone away.
Silver Crown Championship Dirt Cars properly driven on a one mile dirt track are classic poetry in motion. Using that analogy, Jack Hewitt is one of the greatest poets of all time.
Originally Posted by brsteg:
Not been personally, but am going this year with a gang that's been twice.
Plenty of parking around the Dome, but expect to pay about $20. Food is costly, like attending NASCAR or NBA, NFL expensive. Tickets aren't especially cheap, but I didn't find the price a rip off. (Forget what I paid). If you want a pit pass, that's an expensive add on. Thursday they are running a full prelim night for Midget and Mods and is an additional ticket, GA seating. That's a pretty big bummer in my opinion, as format wasn't announced until after ticket sales by couple of months; and by then plans have to be made... so no Thursday for me, and feel like you are now legit missing part of the event. (Up sale on Thursday makes it harder to justify the full weekend as well anyhow.)
Also, apparently no exit re-entry, so you will be held hostage (as I like to say) inside the Dome for SEVERAL hours. Have heard complaining about that for last couple of years; but more so last year when they added the midget class which made the days longer. {Which is why Thursday is now a full prelim night, to help with run time of the show each day}
Pretty sure I paid $10 to park close by and we were able to leave and come back on Saturday between prelims and features. Sugarfire bbq is super close and on point. I think the racing is only getting better at this venue.
I have been every year to the Dome race. I'd suspect a better product this year than last. The track never dried out as much last year compared to prior years. We had early/mid November snow last year of some quantity so the dirt they brought in was wetter than prior years. That impacted the product. I would guess they have learned some more regarding the prep if that scenario plays out again.
As with any indoor race, the racing doesn't get good until the bottom slicks off & forces some guys to go to the high side. If the track conditions are good, I'd think the midgets could put on some outstanding racing in the dome.
Also, even if you aren't a late model fan, Shannon Babb (#18) will be worth the price of admission by himself. He will use the top groove & then some even if no one else does.
You have to take the event for what it is. It's expensive. Food is high. Beers were $9 for a 16 oz bottle. Racing isn't the best you're going to see all season. But it's racing in the middle of December and that's priceless.
Hotels aren't horrible. I booked a room at Marriott within walking distance last week for $109 a night but of course with fees it was $130.
Hotel Lumiere is right there also with casino but is pricey.
And yes Shannon Babb will put on a show. A couple years ago he was hitting the wall so hard every lap I thought he was mad at his car.
With Saturday racing starting at 3 I'd suggest getting a good meal in somewhere before heading to the track. It will be a long day/night.
