If you’re one of the many people who’d love to be there live for the Daytona 500 then 2018 is the year to do it. It can be daunting to start the process though. For example, where do you stay? Should you choose Orlando hotels that are within driving distance of Daytona International Speedway, or pay a lot more to stay closer? When should you book tickets and hotels?
Today we’re going to answer some of the most basic questions people have as they prepare to be here for Daytona 500. Check out these answers and see if you end up with a better idea of how to get started, how to get the best deal, and how to make sure you’re ready for the race.
Details on the 2018 Daytona 500
Before we get into the right time to book tickets and which Orlando vacation home rentals to consider, let’s start with the basics. 2018 will be the 60th year of the Daytona 500 and it’s going to be held on its traditional date: President’s Day weekend. Specifically, the race will be on Sunday February 18th. This is the date it was held from 1968 to 2011, but has been changed in recent years.
What to expect at the Daytona International Freeway
A recent renovation of the Daytona International Freeway cost more than $400 million and led to some significant upgrades. What was once known as the World Center of Racing is now being referred to as the first motorsports stadium in the world. Some of the improvements include:
- Wider and more comfortable seats
- 5 larger and redesigned entrances
- 40 escalators
- Upgraded amenities
It appears the upgrades are a hit, as evidenced by the Sports Business Award it won for Sports Facility of the Year. In addition to the Daytona 500, Daytona International Freeway is going to be home to a very diverse number of races and events, including a Country 500 music festival, Ferrari World Finals, and many car shows.
Buy your Daytona 500 tickets sooner rather than later
Tickets for the 2018 Daytona 500 went on sale June 12
th, 2017 at 9 am. You can buy tickets online and there are a number of options. For example, you can look for hospitality tickets or premium seat packages. Options include the Rolex 24 Lounge, Daytona 500 Club, President’s Race, Harley J’s, and the Trioval Club.
Children’s options at Speedweek
Every other Speedweek event besides the Daytona 500 is $10 for children 12 and under in reserved stadium seating. If you’ll be spending time in general admission or in the UNOH Fanzone, you can save a few dollars: Kids are free in those areas.
The best hotels for the Daytona 500
You can bet that Daytona hotels and other lodgings will book up fast and will cost a pretty penny. That’s why we recommend that you take your race day and turn it into a
vacation to Orlando. You’ll find some great deals on Orlando hotels that come complete with pools, spas, game rooms, and much more. Orlando vacation home rentals are another option. They can accommodate up to 15 people, have private pools, and are outfitted with full kitchens that allow you to cook up your own meals.
Book your lodging for Daytona 500 races today
If you’re thinking about heading to the Daytona 500 then we recommend you buy your tickets and book your lodging sooner rather than later. If you wait, you’ll be taking two risks. First, you’ll be paying more. Some companies offer reasonable rates for Orlando hotels and Orlando vacation home rentals, but you can expect that those deals go quickly. Others charge way too much because they know that a few desperate people will wait until the last minute to book their hotels. Don’t be that person.The second risk you take is not getting the type of accommodation you want. If you’re a family of six that wants a four-bedroom home with a private pool, and you book your vacation home months in advance, then you’re likely to find it. On the other hand, if you wait until a few weeks before the race, you may find yourself all squeezing into a room built for two.
