I'm fortunate to be in Phoenix for a few days next week and plan to spend a day at the Barrett-Jackson auction.

Have any of you been there? If so, any tips on things I shouldn't miss or things I shouldn't waste my time on?

I'll try to take lots of pictures, especially of our favorite Ponies, and post them.

 

Are you bringing your checkbook?

 

Take lots of pics have fun.

 

I was there last year, just take your time and walk the whole thing...take lots of pictures!

 

Have a great time - I love to watch it on tv and dream away.
I believe that everyday the auction "progresses" to higher value vehicles. Tuesday, when it starts, is suppose to be for us ordinary folks regarding prices(!!!!!!) and then they up the ante eveyday until Saturday when it hits it peak. Also think you pay more to get in for some days

 

I just moved from Phoenix shortly after last year's event and that was the 1st one I had missed in several years.

See all the cars on the very 1st day. The cars that cross the auction stage are quickly loaded up and removed from the event so the longer you wait to visit, the less cars there are to see. I would always take off work the 1st day the public could view the cars.

Walk the vendors, both inside and outside after seeing the cars - there are some cool products there along with Shelby America and other car tuners. There are also a number of high end/specialty cars housed at the west side of the big tent past the auction area. Then sit in the back of the auction area (bleachers) and watch the fun for a little while. It's much better in person than on TV.

It is also always fun to pick out a favorite car and then follow it across the stage (either while there or on TV later) and see how it did.

Be prepared for the entrance price - especially if bringing the family. It was $20. Parking was another $10? You will be parking on dirt so watch the weather. My last visit was during a pouring rain storm (unusual) and it was pretty nasty as the cars are under tarps on a grass polo field that does not drain well.

 

In the words of Jeff Foxworthy, "A check? Sure, I can write you a check."

I told my wife to plan on me coming back with a car ... on the t-shirt I'll buy.

 

lol, I had fun telling the doorman at the hotel that I bought a Mustang and a 4-4-2 when he saw my Barrett-Jackson t-shirt last year. What I didn't tell him was they were 1:18 die cast!

 

If I were you, I would avoid Friday Saturday and Sunday; just too many people out there on those days!

06VistaPony has good advice; in addition, dress in layers because it will be colder than a witches tit in the morning and progressively warm during the day.

BTW, I believe that Valley Ford dealers were giving out free tickets for Mon-Wed and Sunday (one day passes only) for a test drive of a New Fusion.

 

I was planning to go Wednesday and Thursday, although if my flight is delayed it may be Thursday and Friday. Should I count on being there all day? Show up mid-afternoon and be there for the prime-time auction?

 

I tend to make a day of it, arriving by 10 am b/c there is just so much to see in the lower polo grounds (at least 6 -8 huge tents full of cars!) plus others parked on the grass Plus the expo tents with the high $$$ cars Plus all the indoor and outdoor vendors...

If you wait until mid-afternoon you might not get to see everything outside before dark, but that's just my .02.

 

I wish I was there, My friend's parents are selling their Mustang at the auction, Here's a Hint: Its yellow and it says GT500KR on the side. Hope your checkbook is Hefty, enjoy the cars and take lots of pictures.

 

Its on tv tonight starting at 7pm eastern time
http://www.barrett-jackson.com
Day Date Hours (Scottsdale, AZ) Hours (Eastern)
Tuesday Jan. 16 5 - 10 pm 7 pm - 12 am
Wednesday Jan. 17 5 - 10 pm 7 pm - 12 am
Thursday Jan. 18 5 - 10 pm 7 pm - 12 am
Friday Jan. 19 2 - 10 pm 4 pm - 12 am
Saturday Jan. 20 12 pm - 10 pm 2 pm - 12 am
Sunday Jan. 21 10 am - 5 pm 12 pm - 7 pm