Tips/Thoughts on Breeders' Cup tickets this year?

[westcoastinvader]

I just received the "Souvenir" tickets via certified mail. Nice!

Hard solid glossy laminate about the same size as my Raiders season tickets, and suitable to be worn around the neck if one is so inclined. A really nice photo of a Santa Anita stretch drive in the center.

There's an option to order what looks like a really nice poster by Fred Stone:

"Bred for Glory", The Official 2008 Breeders' Cup Poster

http://champions.stores.yahoo.net/bforglpl1.html

Here's a link to the $40 version. Better grades are available.

[2Hot4TV]

The traffic going into the track can get pretty slow, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the slow roll in.

General admission gives you access to the paddock gardens which include the walking ring, the main floor under the grandstands all the way up to the rail of the track and I think you also get access to the Dungon under the main floor. That's where it is easy to place a wager after the horses head to the track.

I'm sure you will enjoy Santa Anita and good luck at the windows.

[westcoastinvader]

The traffic going into the track can get pretty slow, so give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the slow roll in.

Thanks, 2Hot4TV. I try to do everything possible to avoid sitting in traffic. I'm a bit concerned that this 10:10AM 1st race time may muck some things up due to people just realizing at the last minute.

I've been by Arcadia on the I-210, but have never exited to explore.

Question: The track recommends taking the Santa Anita Avenue, but I was wondering if there was any merit to exiting earlier coming from the west and maybe using Colorado Boulevard, or possibly Huntington Drive?

Or, is there any recommendation of a place to park without committing to driving into the track, and then just walking a bit to avoid exit traffic?

We have no problem going 8 furlongs on a walk to make the drive in or out nicer.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Oh, and I've also considered parking in Pasadena and using the metro rail to the track so any thoughts there would be appreciated as well.

[2Hot4TV]

The traffic will be the slowest on Huntington Dr. I stay on the 210 and exit at Baldwin and use the race track parking. There is plenty of parking between the race track and the Mall next to the track, they will direct you.

Mass transit in SoCal is only to be used in an emergency like when the car you just stole broke down.

The traffic wont be that bad just alittle slow.

[jezebel]

If you are coming from the west, take Baldwin south (its one exit before Santa Anita) and it runs alongside the stable area. The metro rail won't really work, as the last stop is at Rosemead in Pasadena - Oaktree has said something about Metro providing shuttles, but personally I wouldn't trust that. Friday will be the worst traffic wise (obviously) because you'll be dealing with commuters, but going westbound on the 210, you'll be going against the grain.

[westcoastinvader]

If you are coming from the west, take Baldwin south (its one exit before Santa Anita) and it runs alongside the stable area. The metro rail won't really work, as the last stop is at Rosemead in Pasadena

Thanks a bunch Jezebel and 2HotforTV.

That helps.

I'm really looking forward to my first Santa Anita trip.....and the Breeders' Cup.

[letswastemoney]

5 p.m. traffic ftw!!! Who doesn't love rush hour in Los Angeles??

[westcoastinvader]

General admission gives you access to the paddock gardens which include the walking ring, the main floor under the grandstands all the way up to the rail of the track and I think you also get access to the Dungon under the main floor. That's where it is easy to place a wager after the horses head to the track.


If you are coming from the west, take Baldwin south (its one exit before Santa Anita) and it runs alongside the stable area.



jezebel and 2Hot4tTV, thanks for the great advice!

Baldwin allowed EZ access with only a brief wait for two traffic lights. Also surprisingly allowed for EZ exit to 210 after the Classic. In fact we were rolling west of Pasadena by about 4:25.

Nice surprise was discovering early the infield access with General Admission. Made it to the far gate for the backside break for the 1st race Marathon. Was really cool to see the horses come by the same backside spot the 2nd time around.

Made it to the spots you mentioned. In fact, once we nailed down the logistics we were set for the Classic. Had a rail paddock spot for the Classic walk in, and for the walk to the ring for rider's up. An extra little neat part was realizing Bo Derek
still looks great as she came within a couple feet of us with the paddock entourage.

And from the paddock for the Classic, we went 1/2 way though an infield tunnel, then up to a trackside rail view for the on track introductions....and of course for the stretch drive.

A great great day. Lots of anecdotes, including one where I thought Richard Migliore was going to try to kiss my wife on his walk to the ring just before the Classic. Turns out his intended recipient was just over my wife's shoulder, but my wife and the guy I was talking to thought the same as me for a split second. A good laugh!


Thanks again.

In fact, if I had opted for a grandstand seat for the extra $$ it would have likely felt like a "ball and chain" keeping me from the freedom and access General Admission offered.