The USGP should be treated like Vegas

[mnkywrch]

They should have cheap, cheap, CHEAP flights from all around the world to Indianapolis the week of the race.

Lose money on getting people here, figuring you'll make it up on lodging, food, t-shirts, etc.

Or are the hotel rates the *real* problem?

Out-of-towners, your thoughts.

[naz]

Can't speak for everyone, but $100/night for a Motel 6 room is a little steep. I would have made the trip before now, for the USGP, if that wasn't the case.

I agree with the idea of getting people there so they can spend. It sure can't hurt.

[theunions]

Re: The USGP should be treated like Vegas

Originally posted by mnkywrch
They should have cheap, cheap, CHEAP flights from all around the world to Indianapolis the week of the race.

Out-of-towners, your thoughts.

Shouldn't it be that way for the 500???

I've never paid less than $500 R/T. And when I use frequent flyer miles as I did this May, sometimes I have to come from Atlanta or Newark.

[gators]

You should fly in Dayton, Columbus Ohio and Lousiville, KY. All are within 2-hour drive. Avoid Cincinnati too expensive to fly there.

[jimbo]

Re: The USGP should be treated like Vegas

Originally posted by mnkywrch
They should have cheap, cheap, CHEAP flights from all around the world to Indianapolis the week of the race.

Lose money on getting people here, figuring you'll make it up on lodging, food, t-shirts, etc.

Or are the hotel rates the *real* problem?

Out-of-towners, your thoughts.

That's a wonderful idea but not really sound logic.
I admit that I am not privy to the inner working of the travel industry but I'm wondering how the airlines will recoup the loss from the the hotel's, restaraunt's, T-shirt vendors etc...
In short how do you intend to get the money from pocket A into pocket B?
Just wondering.

[nitrofan]

the people in my group got round trip from orlando for 120 each.

on ATA. costs me about 70 bucks in gas for the miata. of course , there were 2 of us..

[lanciaman]

Dayton is an excellent alternative to the Indy airport. More flights, more choices. An easy 2 hour Interstate drive on I70. And you might find a cheaper room deal in New Castle on the way, about an hour from the track.

[Indyfan31]

I bought the entire package from Orbitz: flight, car rental and room for 3 nights for 2 people = $850. I have no idea what each item cost. However, I did overhear the desk clerk telling a customer on the phone that she still had some rooms on Friday night for $200 , the next day the place was sold out.

The flight was round trip from L.A. on Northwest, the rental was from Hertz and we stayed at the Wingate Inn. Nicest room I've ever stayed in, plus free high-speed access in the room ... included.

[lanciaman]

Originally posted by Indyfan31
I bought the entire package from Orbitz: flight, car rental and room for 3 nights for 2 people = $850. I have no idea what each item cost. However, I did overhear the desk clerk telling a customer on the phone that she still had some rooms on Friday night for $200 , the next day the place was sold out.

The flight was round trip from L.A. on Northwest, the rental was from Hertz and we stayed at the Wingate Inn. Nicest room I've ever stayed in, plus free high-speed access in the room ... included.

I think you got a deal.

[Frank Capua]

I get to stay with my sister and brother-in-law when I come to the 500 and the USGP. Gas would have to get pretty high for it not to be a reasonable weekend for me.

You say your sister doesn't live in Indy... get her to move.

[happyscrappy]

Originally posted by Whosyer-Sparkplug

You say your sister doesn't live in Indy... get her to move.

My brother lived in Crawfordsville for about 3 years. I always wanted to head out for May one year, but he got transfered to Atlanta, the bum...

[naz]

Another thought on the USGP at Indy.

Perhaps the reason that IMS doesn't attract a larger crowd is simply that being in the middle of the country makes travel, to and from Indy, difficult and expensive for the vast majority of fans on either coast.

The argument could be made about cheap flights, but I would think that the majority of fans drive to an event. Considering a reasonable drive time of up to 10 hours, the fan base would have to come from the midwest and I don't think that is F1's strongest area.

The hotel costs are a valid argument also. Most races can be done on the cheap by staying at a hotel an hour away. With Indy, one has to go two hours away to find a non-inflated hotel rate. Two hours, back and forth for three days is just too much.

My conclusion is that the problem really is geographic.

IMHO

[Slade]

Arrived from Mpls. on the Thursday before the race on Northwest. $165.00 round trip using Orbitz.com

[frodo13]

I live across the street from IMS so I don't have to drive or fly in for the race. I just want every one of you that does have to travel to get here, I enjoy having all of you here. You F-1 fans are the best!!!!! Looking forward to seeing you next year.