Devon GP- spectator help??

[Kristin]

I would like to attend the Devon Grand Prix this Thursday, but have never been before and have a few questions. I know the grandstand tickets are all sold out already, but is there any other way to view the GP?

Are there a limited number of general admission tickets sold per day (if all are sold out in the morning, is it useless to show up in the afternoon hoping to get a general admission ticket, and try to stand near the fence)?

I really would love to go and watch, but I am unsure of the logistics for someone who's just a spectator and without a reserved grandstand ticket!

Thanks in advance!

[billiebob]

I would like to attend the Devon Grand Prix this Thursday, but have never been before and have a few questions. I know the grandstand tickets are all sold out already, but is there any other way to view the GP?

Are there a limited number of general admission tickets sold per day (if all are sold out in the morning, is it useless to show up in the afternoon hoping to get a general admission ticket, and try to stand near the fence)?

I really would love to go and watch, but I am unsure of the logistics for someone who's just a spectator and without a reserved grandstand ticket!

Thanks in advance!

I've never had an issue buying general admission tickets, even if I've arrived after the GP starts. The biggest issue I have is that there are just SO MANY PEOPLE THERE!!! If you can find a spot to stand near the fence, don't leave!!!

The best "seat" I ever had for the jumpoff was when my friend convinced me to ride the ferris wheel instead of watch the jumpoff (she's not horsey at all :lol:). We got stuck at the top and watched most of it from there!

[bascher]

Unfortunately, there are always tons of people standing next to the ring. If you have to go that option, which I guess you will because the grandstands are sold out, I would get there REALLY early and put chairs, blankets, etc to stake out a spot. I don't know how early you would have to get there, but I'm guessing that people will get there in the morning to stake out spots.

[lcw579]

I would suggest getting there by early afternoon at the very latest. The seats around the ring are usually claimed with blankets and such fairly early in the day. Last year though, while watching the breeding classes in the afternoon people were still able to set up chairs around the ring near the East Grandstand on the schooling ring side. I know because I sat in them to watch their stuff while they went for supplies - nice people.

Now that I think about it they probably got their spot from my group who had been watching the breeding clases from the rail. So that is another option - look for people who will be leaving and take their spot. Best bet is to stake out a spot and guard it.

[GreyHunterHorse]

Keep in mind parking will be a nightmare too. I agree with above posters taht you pretty much have to get there early and just stake out a spot. It is truly insane how many people are there. I'm trying to decide whether to get off at the Devon stop on the way home from work and brave the traffic....:eek:

[lcw579]

Aah, yes parking... in the past I have parked early in the day and gotten a ride home or taken the train home and then gotten a ride back in the evening. It is incredible how many people show up. It turns into old home week and a big party. I actually find the other nights better for watching the jumping. Thursday is fun for sure though!

[bascher]

Parking is going to be a NIGHTMARE because the street that everyone used to park on (the one with all the apartments) is now closed to parking.

[Paint Hunter/Jumper]

Just wondering, since I have an exhibitor bracelet, can I get into a seat in the grandstand like any other day?

[CenterStage123]

Just wondering, since I have an exhibitor bracelet, can I get into a seat in the grandstand like any other day?

Nope. Acctually you can't sit in the grandstands on anyday with just your exhibitior braclet. You can sit on the metal bleachers on the other side of the ring on a normal day, but those are all sold out for grand prix night.

[Paint Hunter/Jumper]

Nope. Acctually you can't sit in the grandstands on anyday with just your exhibitior braclet. You can sit on the metal bleachers on the other side of the ring on a normal day, but those are all sold out for grand prix night.

Haha that's what I meant! And that stinks!

[Kristin]

Thank you all so much for your help and suggestions- I guess it'll be an interesting evening, between the huge crowds and tough parking!

[lcw579]

Just found this on Devon's web site:

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GATE:

Although General Admission tickets remain available, Covered Reserved Grandstand Tickets for Thursday Evening, May 28 have sold out.

For Thursday, May 28 ONLY: Special wristbands for General Admission ringside bench seating will be required for the Grand Prix Performance. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, the Ticket Office will issue wristbands (limited to 4 per person) on a first-come basis. Security will clear all benches prior to the beginning of the 4:30 p.m. performance. Only those individuals with wristbands will be permitted on the benches.

Second Chance Reserved Seating for the Grand Prix! Eighty (80) uncovered bleacher seats on the southwest corner of the Dixon Oval. Price: $25 each (Limit 4 per person) When: 8 a.m. sharp (These tickets typically sell out in about 10 minutes.) Where: Front Gate Ticket Office.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first time that they are actually clearing people off the benches ringside (that bolding is mine)? I have seats, really happy about that now, but when did they start issuing special wristbands for the benches?

[Reds-n-Greys]

This is the first year for it. I heard about it from a committee member yesterday.

[Showponymom Aefvue Mid Atlantic Division]

Just found this on Devon's web site:

TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GATE:

Although General Admission tickets remain available, Covered Reserved Grandstand Tickets for Thursday Evening, May 28 have sold out.
For Thursday, May 28 ONLY: Special wristbands for General Admission ringside bench seating will be required for the Grand Prix Performance. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, the Ticket Office will issue wristbands (limited to 4 per person) on a first-come basis. Security will clear all benches prior to the beginning of the 4:30 p.m. performance. Only those individuals with wristbands will be permitted on the benches.

Second Chance Reserved Seating for the Grand Prix! Eighty (80) uncovered bleacher seats on the southwest corner of the Dixon Oval. Price: $25 each (Limit 4 per person) When: 8 a.m. sharp (These tickets typically sell out in about 10 minutes.) Where: Front Gate Ticket Office. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this the first time that they are actually clearing people off the benches ringside (that bolding is mine)? I have seats, really happy about that now, but when did they start issuing special wristbands for the benches?


This is the first time I have heard of them ever doing that. It is dumb, so where are you supposed to sit if you have a GA ticket but no wristband? I wonder how this will play out. Kinda glad I got busy with barn work and some errands and decided not to go. I am sure there will be some very unhappy people.

[Paint Hunter/Jumper]

This is the first time I have heard of them ever doing that. It is dumb, so where are you supposed to sit if you have a GA ticket but no wristband? I wonder how this will play out. Kinda glad I got busy with barn work and some errands and decided not to go. I am sure there will be some very unhappy people.

It looked like people without wristbands were sitting there too? :confused: maybe they did have one on and I'm just blind! ahaha