Baltimore Questions and Tips (for those attending)

[Dave Long]

I'm headed to Charm City for the first time to see IndyCars. I've been to the Inner Harbor before and stayed at the Hilton downtown in the past so I'm pretty comfortable with the area and how it's laid out. What I don't know much about is how things are set up during the race. I'm hoping some attendees from the past couple years can help me out and maybe supply tips for others, too?

First of all, I'm staying in Towson, north of the city, and plan to ride Light Rail from Lutherville to where it ends (for this weekend) at Baltimore St. Good idea? Bad? I'm only attending Saturday and Sunday. Any idea how long that train ride takes? 30 minutes? 40?

I have GA tickets for all three days. Apparently that ticket includes Paddock for the ALMS. I'm not buying Paddock for IndyCar. Just wasn't in the budget. That said, it looks like the driver intros happen near the pits and victory lane is close by. Also, I see zero grandstands near pit lane which says to me as a veteran of attending races that I can probably find some good spots to stand around there to watch if it's open to get nearby? What is the access like around that part of the circuit?

Access is really my biggest question, too. Usually road/street courses are pretty open to walk around. Is that the case at Baltimore or are there lots of fences and roped off areas to keep people out? I'm thinking I'd like to get over behind 5, 6, 7 and 8 at some point to look across the track toward the pits. Doable? What about finding some standing room near turn one and two at the start of the race? Or maybe some standing room near turn 3 instead at the start?

Also, I'm guessing there are a lot of businesses inside the circuit, but what about exiting the circuit area? Are there pass outs? Given they're not letting you bring much in, I would imagine so, but you never know...

Any help is greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure others attending too. Thanks!

[Cyclone]

Hi there. I've been to both previous GPs for all three days, so I know a few things.

1. Light rail, Not sure about that one. Hopefully someone else can chime in there, but it should be fine.
2. GA tickets will get you everywhere except the Grandstands, Indy Paddock, and the Andretti Club area of the Convention center.
3. I'd recommend Indy Paddock ticket at least for Friday. Its not too crowded and its easy to get autographs and car picks. Plus its fun.
4. The Victory Lane & Driver Intro stages are on the same street (Howard St), so its a good idea to be in that area at the start/finish of the races if you want to see the drivers. Plus there are usually other 'sights' to be seen on that street as well.
5. The are no good sight lines to pit lane. There is an area right at the northmost point of pit lane were you could stand last year and see (but in 2011 it was suites). So your mileage may vary this year.
6. The area around 5,6, &7 is very limited. You can't view from the outside of the track and the inside are is limited to the area were the driver intro was held.
7. Viewing areas. The GA viewing areas are all over the place, but of course don't give your the long sight lines that you get from a Grandstand seat. On Friday all of the GrandStands are GA, so you will be able to sit where ever you like. While I do get GrandStand seats, I do a lot of walking about over the three days (who wants to sit in a seat for 8hrs x 3 days?). GA areas that I've tried have been, over by the bridge between 8 & 9 (has shade), a grassy area over at turn 2, and a long stretch along the main straight near the start/finish line.
8. Access. You can enter/exit the track all day long. They just stamp your hand. So if you want to exit the track and check out the inner harbor (which is cool), you can. Plus you can get a cheaper lunch outside of the track at a nearby subway, or other restaurant, then return. Since I'm with my son, we usually check out the observation floor of the world trade center for $5 which has a great view of the track, and then some other boat ride or such.
9. Facilities. One thing that is really nice about having a race downtown, is that you don't have to use the portopotties. The convention center is open with normal bathrooms, the visitor center at the inner harbor, then Orioles park stadium is open. So there are plenty of air conditioned places to get out of the sun, get some AC, and a cool drink when needed.

[Grizzlor]

Weather looks to be pretty hot, almost 90.

[Cyclone]

Honestly, I'm ready for some hot weather. Its been about 80 degrees or cooler all of August. I wanted to use our community pool all Summer, but we've only been able to go once all month because its been like 78 degree most days. Some heat is welcomed. Looks like there might be some afternoon thunderstorms.

[Esperante]

We use the light rail, and it's great. Parking is free at the light rail "stations", and an all-day pass for an adult is about $3.50 (it might be a little higher this year, but not much). Go to mta.maryland.gov for daily rates. During the weekend (Friday through Sunday) light rail runs constantly from 6 AM to 9 PM, so you can come and go pretty much whenever you want. Light rail takes a little longer than driving (not talking hours here), but it sure beats the traffic and paying for parking for the 3 days, and it delivers you two blocks from the track. We park at Hunt Valley, which is the farthest north station, and it takes about 45 minutes from there. Not sure about Towson, since that's about half way between Hunt Valley and Inner Harbor. MTA is offering a special this year for the Grand Prix - a 3-day pass for $ 10.00, but I think you have to buy that ahead of time. We did, and got the passes in the mail.

We go into Baltimore once or twice a year other than for the Grand Prix, and after our first experience with light rail last year, we'll never go to Baltimore any other way in the future.

[Nigel Red5]

I'm headed to Charm City for the first time to see IndyCars. I've been to the Inner Harbor before and stayed at the Hilton downtown in the past so I'm pretty comfortable with the area and how it's laid out. What I don't know much about is how things are set up during the race. I'm hoping some attendees from the past couple years can help me out and maybe supply tips for others, too?

First of all, I'm staying in Towson, north of the city, and plan to ride Light Rail from Lutherville to where it ends (for this weekend) at Baltimore St. Good idea? Bad? I'm only attending Saturday and Sunday. Any idea how long that train ride takes? 30 minutes? 40?

I have GA tickets for all three days. Apparently that ticket includes Paddock for the ALMS. I'm not buying Paddock for IndyCar. Just wasn't in the budget. That said, it looks like the driver intros happen near the pits and victory lane is close by. Also, I see zero grandstands near pit lane which says to me as a veteran of attending races that I can probably find some good spots to stand around there to watch if it's open to get nearby? What is the access like around that part of the circuit?

Access is really my biggest question, too. Usually road/street courses are pretty open to walk around. Is that the case at Baltimore or are there lots of fences and roped off areas to keep people out? I'm thinking I'd like to get over behind 5, 6, 7 and 8 at some point to look across the track toward the pits. Doable? What about finding some standing room near turn one and two at the start of the race? Or maybe some standing room near turn 3 instead at the start?

Also, I'm guessing there are a lot of businesses inside the circuit, but what about exiting the circuit area? Are there pass outs? Given they're not letting you bring much in, I would imagine so, but you never know...

Any help is greatly appreciated by me and I'm sure others attending too. Thanks!

Light rail will take about 40 minutes from the Lutherville station. I used to work in the building at the station. We rode it in 2011 all three days. Only had to wait a little on the way home sunday. I volunteer now so I park downtown but I also know downtown like the back of my hand and I get there early and hav no problems getting to where I park. If you consider driving in, come into town from the north, east through eastern avenue/boston street or from the west on 40 if you're brave

GA is perfect for Saturday. The alms passock is actually outside of the track on the south side. Be prepared to wait to cross the bridge or check out the track crossing schedule. we open the gates for disaabled acess and to relieve the logjam at the bridges. It's been PACKED on saturday both years. It's a ghostland Sunday because they all pull out asap saturday evening. Get a paddock pass for the inside paddock at least one day. Trust me. It's looking like the 90's, you'll appreciate the relief from the heat and real clean cool bathrooms. It's also one of the coolest paddocks anywhere IMHO. There is NO open wheel paddock outside, so it's unlikely you'll see alot of the drivers except for intros and when they head between the paddock and the pits over by Old Otterbein church near turn 5. All of the cars enter and exit the paddock from the ground level doors on the east end of the convention center andare towed up the hill between the convention center and the Sheraton and the church. That hill up Conway is a lot steeper than it looks. The drivers are constantly buzzing up and down that hill on their scooters. They have moved alot of the family entertainment indoors as well. That includes the indoor kart track. Haven't seen it yet, but I've ridden Autobahn's electric karts at their facility in Jessup. Sweet karts. I believe the fan zone will still be in the south plaza along Camden street(Oriole Park) on the way over to the ALMS paddock.

Be on the front straight for the pre race ALMS grid walk. Last year it was an amazing sea of fans and race crews and you get a great chance to get photos with al the ALMS drivers, cars and grid girls.
There actually aren't a lot of businesses inside of the track but there is plenty to eat. There are vendors set up, the concessions are open inside if the convention center as well as Oriole Park, and there are things like Jimmy John's(CHEAP eats in years past with no race day mark ups), Kona Grille, Morton's steak house. There's three bars and food outside of turn 11, Subway, the bistro, pratt street ale house are all just outside the track immediately along the main straight. Pratt street ale house and Mari Luna set up cafe's arms reach from the outside fencing along the straight. Harbor place still has food in both pavilions, and they set up vendors down near turn 3 and the Science center. There's food from there to eternity heading east into Little italy, Harbor East and towards Fells Point. Other than over in the power plant live entertainment area, (Ruth's Chris) in general Stay south of Lombard street north of Pratt.

Access to the pits is very limited, but they removed some suites and it was opened up to the public last year but that's only on the north end where it loops around. Don't count on seeing much from anywhere other than the plaza upstairs in the convention center. As Cyclone said, access to turns 5-6-7 is limited and I doubt we'll be allowing spectators to stand along there again this year. I've been out of town so I don't have the maps of the restricted areas yet. Unfortunately, they won't allow anyone on the MARC train platform at Camden yards after thursday morning IIRC. It would be great to watch the pits from but there's no way to get to them from the ALMS paddock when the track is in place due to permanent fences along the tracks.

Pass-outs are no problem at any gate, and you actually have to leave the track and pass through Harbor Place at turn 2 to get down to the grandstands around turn 3.
Compared to the things to do at an oval event lately.... well, it's no contest.

WEAR GOOD SHOES. You will do alot of walking. Paddock access also allows you to cool off, and avoid the hill up and down pratt street. It's sneaky, especially if you have to walk up and down it all day like I have working the race. I also work downtown at my job on and off.

[ACCP]

Question if anyone knows...the print-your-own tickets....I got 3 day paddock passes (I thought) and while they list the dates as August 31-Sept. 2, it also says "Sunday" on them. They're still 3 day, right? If so, I might have a couple spares...

[Nigel Red5]

Ummm, I will check, but looking at last years pass hanging on my wall, The Paddock pass clearly said "3-Day"on it,and IIRC, the one day passes had the actual day on them and I seem to recall there were also different colors as my kids passes were friday only. I can defininteyl clear that up tomorrow.

[F1 and IndyCar]

If I am going with just a GA admission ticket for Sunday and driving into the city Sunday morning and out after the race, what are some places to actually see the race? Don't have a ticket yet, but considering it. I just don't want to go and then miss all of the racing.

Never been to a street race before, how is it best to keep up with all of the racing given limited viewing areas? Is there a GA area which lets you have a view of a turn or two for some passing AND a straight while still being able to see a video board?

Would it be possible if I dont mind doing a little walking to park in a neighborhood on the street to avoid traffic (and paying)?

[ACCP]

Ummm, I will check, but looking at last years pass hanging on my wall, The Paddock pass clearly said "3-Day"on it,and IIRC, the one day passes had the actual day on them and I seem to recall there were also different colors as my kids passes were friday only. I can defininteyl clear that up tomorrow.

I emailed them and they revised my tickets so I have 2 Saturday passes and 2 Sunday passes. Great service, now I'm worry free and I can just look forward to the weekend. Flying down tomorrow night...

[Robby]

SO a GA ticket is recommended then?

I have a crazy schedule for this race as I'm taking a 12:30 AM train out of CT Sunday morning and arriving in Bmore at 6...so I'll be at the gates when they open.

Also, anyone want to hang out? I'm doing the race solo and have only been to oval events(New Hampshire and Pocono). My normal race companion is in Aruba right now. Jerk. Haha. I'll have to kill about 6 hours after the race for my 11PM train ride home! Gonna be a loooong day.

[Grizzlor]

If I am going with just a GA admission ticket for Sunday and driving into the city Sunday morning and out after the race, what are some places to actually see the race? Don't have a ticket yet, but considering it. I just don't want to go and then miss all of the racing.

Never been to a street race before, how is it best to keep up with all of the racing given limited viewing areas? Is there a GA area which lets you have a view of a turn or two for some passing AND a straight while still being able to see a video board?

Would it be possible if I dont mind doing a little walking to park in a neighborhood on the street to avoid traffic (and paying)?

There are places to watch from, sections of fencing in between grandstands for instance. The straightaway to the SE end of the course by Camden Yards is GA. I figure the crowd will be somewhat lighter than last year, allowing more space.

SO a GA ticket is recommended then?

I have a crazy schedule for this race as I'm taking a 12:30 AM train out of CT Sunday morning and arriving in Bmore at 6...so I'll be at the gates when they open.

Also, anyone want to hang out? I'm doing the race solo and have only been to oval events(New Hampshire and Pocono). My normal race companion is in Aruba right now. Jerk. Haha. I'll have to kill about 6 hours after the race for my 11PM train ride home! Gonna be a loooong day.

I bought a GS seat by turn 1, because I want to sit for half the race largely because I injured my foot last week. I won't get there until around 11AM, and I head straight for the paddock, mill around until driver intros, hang out over there, then go to my seat.

[PhillyIRL]

One thing to be careful about is if you do leave the track, getting back into it can be a pain. It might've been better last year around Inner Harbor, I don't recall, but the first year, it was awful trying to get back in in the afternoon.

I was going to go Sunday, but it is just too much of a hassle to drive 2+ hours, take the train and then do the same to leave. Plus, I don't have much $ now. In the past, we camped at state parks and road the train in each day.

GA might be okay, but there definitely aren't as many good viewing areas as you would find at a natural terrain road course. For that matter, even with a seat you can't see much of the track. It is a cool weekend and a fun time though.

As someone else said, you can't really see the pits too well. The only viewing area was looking down them from behind, so you could see the cars come in pretty well and the pits closest to you, but the rest of the pits were hard to see.

It is a cool weekend and fun time. It is definitely a different experience when compared to ovals and road courses. It is especially neat when it is a place you have been at during normal times.

Make sure that at some point during ALMS practice you head to the beginning of the front straight. Hearing the Corvette engines roar off of the buildings is just awesome!

[Nigel Red5]

One thing to be careful about is if you do leave the track, getting back into it can be a pain. It might've been better last year around Inner Harbor, I don't recall, but the first year, it was awful trying to get back in in the afternoon.

I was going to go Sunday, but it is just too much of a hassle to drive 2+ hours, take the train and then do the same to leave. Plus, I don't have much $ now. In the past, we camped at state parks and road the train in each day.

GA might be okay, but there definitely aren't as many good viewing areas as you would find at a natural terrain road course. For that matter, even with a seat you can't see much of the track. It is a cool weekend and a fun time though.

As someone else said, you can't really see the pits too well. The only viewing area was looking down them from behind, so you could see the cars come in pretty well and the pits closest to you, but the rest of the pits were hard to see.

It is a cool weekend and fun time. It is definitely a different experience when compared to ovals and road courses. It is especially neat when it is a place you have been at during normal times.

Make sure that at some point during ALMS practice you head to the beginning of the front straight. Hearing the Corvette engines roar off of the buildings is just awesome!

definitely spend some time down in turn 12 and between 12 and the chicane. It's probably the loudest place at the track and the beers cheap. They hadn't put up many banners yet so I don't know what will be blocked but the Andretti Club is set up in the Marriotts plaza area outside of the track in that same area. Luna del Sea has a great area set up outside of the track. I didn't make it down to turn 1 this evening but the area around the fountains and where the climbing walls and Ferris wheel have been is apparently all party zone this year. 98 rock is broadcasting from 6 to 10 and at 3 on Friday. They have mixed things up a little this year.

[Grizzlor]

Hey Nigel, are we allowed on the "grid" pre-race with a paddock pass?