Gimme the scoop. I’ve never checked this one out.
Coming from Atlanta, somewhat familiar with Athens ('93 alum).
I’m hoping to take the family for the day, lunchtime until the kids crash.
Can you give me any advice on parking, seating (do we set up camp or nomad around), do I paint my whole body or just my face, etc?
The event is lots of fun to watch but maybe not so much for your kids. During the day it is not so bad or hard to get spectator spots and parking, but when the big races go off it is pandemonium and seating opportunities may be limited to the area between corners 3 and 4.
I am going there with my wife for the weekend and we look forward to it. My wife went to undergrad in Athens and I have watched the race at least 6 or 7 times. The speed of the Pros is awesome and impressive.
You’re in for a great time! I lived in Athens for about 10 years and this was an amazing event every year. For spectating, I’d rate it way above other famous US races like Downers Grove or USPRO Championships in Philly. I think the pro race usually starts about 9:00 pm and lasts around 90 minutes. The crowd is insane and lines every inch of the course.
As for parking, if you’re there early in the day, you’ll be able to find a spot on the street. If everything is filled up, the UGA parking deck at S Jackson St and Fulton St is always a safe bet. They may charge a few bucks, but it’s in downtown and convenient.
Taking kids may be tough if you plan to stay late into the night because of the crowds. Your best bet is to get into one of the fenced off beer gardens along the course early in the day and just park it there. Hit me up if you have any other questions.
I have to echo what the others have said. Downtown really gets cranking early evening and into nightfall. The atmosphere is a party, so the later you are there, the more fun it will be, but the less appropriate it will be for kids. x2 on the comment to find a beer garden set up along the course early, get your seats, and park there. By dusk it will be crazy difficult to find anywhere where the kids will be able to see.
Dropping the Family Plan. Gettin’ my Chesley here to make sure the house is still standing when we get home.
Sounds like a nice spring day: First Sprint of the year (TriBlueSky), then road trip around lunch and spend the rest of the day at the Twilight.
Gimme some 70* and clear skies and we’ll be set!
Twilight is always a helluva fun night in Athens. One year when Chris Horner won, he said “I’ve never seen so many beautiful women!”
I’d say get into a beer garden if you want a seat. Or there is also the VIP section right at the start/finish line, but not sure how much that costs. If you want to see some carnage, turn one is usually the most notorious place. You’ll want to be behind the hay bales of course!
Colorado is nice, but I do miss springtime in Athens!