Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Going to the Nationals for the first time this year and probably going to buy the 4night package. Main question that I have is what is the seating like at Knoxville? We like to be close to the action and feel the energy from the cars as they race by but, we also want to be able to see the whole track (backstretch and the corners).

Any suggestions? Can you see everything from row 1 or do you have to go up about 10rows?

Depends where you would prefer to sit really. You could select the front stretch grandstands if you want to see all the happenings throughout the night (plus the luxury of having the frontstretch scoarboard is nice). However, my family and I use to sit a couple nights on the backstretch and a couple on the front. If you're wanting to be close to some action, i would suggest sitting toward the West side of the backstretch (section Y ish) as they are going into the turn about 10 or so rows up. That's pretty exciting and you are closer to the track on the backstretch than the front. Anything under the first 7 rows or so will be hard to see the entire track, although, with the rigs parked outside track and the luxury of the scoreboards, there really isnt too bad of a spot.

I find that row 12 is a nice balance of feeling the speed and seeing the track, I wouldn't go any lower although the first row on the front stretch isn't horrible, not ideal by any means but not horrible. Keep in mind that the first row of the backstretch is equal in elevation to the 10th or12th row of the frontstretch but it can also get awfully dusty back there.

I sat on the backstretch once and while the action is still great, and it offers a much different view, I felt like i was missing the hoopla that all happened on the frontstretch. For your first time, i would recommend the frontstretch, section D or E which is right around the start/finish line. 

Another option is to move around, buy a 2 or 3 day pass for the front/back and then add on single day tickets in the other section so you can experience it all. That might work depending on how many people your'e going with. 

I wouldn't buy advance tickets if it were my first time there.    You won't have an issue buying tickets at the window even on Saturday night.   Use the first three nights to move around to some different spots and see what you like.  Me and my guys actually sit on the bottom row of the back straight in the first section coming out of turn 2.   We've sat at a couple of different spots on the front straight, and about half way up on the back straight towards turn 3.    There really isn't a bad seat in the house IMO.     We eventually decided we liked the bottom row seats in turn 2.    The speed perspective is awesome, and at times the cars look like they're coming right at you.    Noone sits around us either, so it's easy in and out without having to crawl over people or being crawled over.   We can also recline back a little and put our feet up on the rail in front of us if we want.    

You're going to love Knoxville, enjoy!

You can wait to buy tickets until the day of. Like most have said move around each night and try something new. I haven't left the backstretch after trying it out about a decade ago. It's not near as crowded and it presents one off the coolest settings in racing. You got a big pisser, concessions, beer, etc back there as well. You are right on top of the track. Try out off of turn two and going into three at some point as mentioned. You'll be hooked after your first trip and will keep coming every year after. 

BIG J

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."

Backstretch for me.  Row 10-15.  JMO.  I have sat pretty much everywhere.  I like sections X and Y in the back.  

I like Dryslick's idea.  Buy seats everywhere nights 1-3 and once you find your seats, buy the closest to those on Saturday.  I feel like you are on top of the action more on the backstretch. 

No need to buy tickets ahead of time unless you want to lock down specific seats. I prefer front strech section M rows 14 - 17.  Good view of initial starts, restarts, and race off turn 4 to checkered flag ( just my opinion ). Also, if you go above row 17 or 18 in that section the rows are narrower so you have less leg room. Hope you enjoy your experience.