Selfies are all the rage in every age group, and in NASCAR, where fans can rub elbows with their favorite driver minutes before the start of the race, the ability to snap a shot with the stars is just another perk in the fan-friendly sport.
A snapshot of attendance shows a wider problem that social media can't fix.
Dover had swaths of empty seats on Sunday, continuing the trend of declining attendance at the Delaware race track that primarily serves Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond, Virginia, and Washington. Longtime observers said the crowd was the smallest in years, something CEO Denis McGlynn seemed to hint was coming in the pre-race driver meeting.
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Most of us no longer have disposable income. This was also stated on WBOC by the spokesperson for NASCAR. I personally no longer go to movies or eat out much anymore. I just don't have the money. Even downgraded my cable programming because of this. I drove by the shorebirds stadium last weekend and noticed the same. Lots of empty seats and plenty of parking. Can't see how business can continue, unless they lower their prices.
ReplyDeleteWe no longer go to the Dover races. We had season tickets for years but increased costs, lack of/changes in parking lots and tighter budget forced us to give them up. Watch it on TV for free, drink a few beers and don't have to drive to/from the track saves $600 per race.
ReplyDeleteNascar would do them self a favor to get rid of some of the stupid rules and go back to racing like it was years ago.
ReplyDeleteWant to slow the cars down? Make the engines smaller.
And this summer is going to be really hot,and most races are where it is the hottest.If I'm going to cook,at least flip me every now and then so both sides can get done.
ReplyDeleteDover is one of the most expensive race tracks on the circuit. For good seats you are going to pay $96, for mediocre seats are $75, plus if you want to camp there for the weekend it's $100-$170 for a campsite. I've been to Richmond, Martinsville, Pocono and Charlotte and most of their good seats are around $75. If you are taking you family there , the extra $20 a seat adds up quickly. They can only blame poor attendance on themselves.
ReplyDeleteThis is what our leaders need to fix...buying power of the dollar..not min wage increases...most middleclass cannot afford any entertanment or dinng with the current value of the dollar
ReplyDelete3:39,right on and that goes for buying clothes,vehicles or just about anything that is not a necessity.For some reason lawmakers don't seem to understand that gas being 3.55gal does'nt help.
ReplyDeleteI find it ironic NASCAR has mandated homogeous vehicle and will fine you $100,000 for being 1/64th" off on a measurement, fines the hell out of everone from driver to owner for "behavior unbecoming", has created rules and conditions such that most races are basically a parade with a bit of movement so drivers can look at someone else's rear end. but all the advertising highlights show massive wrecks, fights, aggressive driving, and the acts of the bad boys of NASCAR that aren't allowed any more.
ReplyDeletePeople will find a way to pay to see the competition that made NASCAR grow. They won't pay to see a outrageous prices to see a Sunday parade with debris cautions intermixed with boredom. Just my 2¢¢.
I'm not a Nascar fan. But, I had heard that Dover and one other track were the only ones that had not lowered ticket prices after we hit the latest recession. It is sad to see the new grand stand empty when lower ticket prices may draw more of a crowd.
ReplyDeleteNobody has jobs anymore, and those laid off 6 years ago are just scrapping for enough to keep heads above the waterline. Oh, but we're in a "Recovery" that's doing........................
ReplyDeleteNot well.
It's all because of the Depression we're in!
Ain't no NAStockCAR cars at the track, ain't no fans at the race. Just suped up go karts.
ReplyDeleteI'm no fan either, and as Walter said, you can leave and come back 15 minutes later and you haven't missed a freaking thing. lol.
ReplyDeleteOh look, they're making a left turn. And another left turn. And another left turn.
I went one time. While it was fun the first time I haven't been back since. Between the grime you get on you and the traffic trying to get out of there once was enough for me.
ReplyDeleteGo to Balt. or d.c. and get on the outer loop. You won't go as fast but there will be more wrecks and you'll be right there with all the action
ReplyDeleteGonna c more empty seats everywhere--not just at the racetrack! People have to give up the entertainment in order to pay the high cost of things!
ReplyDelete