Thursday, January 24, 2008

Detroit Auto Show Continues

If you're like me, you've been waiting for the crowds at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) to die down a bit before venturing over to Cobo Hall to check things out.

I tend to stray from the norm sometimes (okay, a lot of the time) but I can't help that I would rather wait for the masses to flock in and out so that when I arrive, I have some breathing room.

But my lack of large-crowd-love is beside the point. The important thing is that NAIAS is coming to a close this weekend, but there's still time for you to check out Detroit's biggest event of the year.

Plan to attend? Here are the basics:

  • Dates/Times: On Friday and Saturday, the show runs from 9 am - 10 pm (no admittance after 9). On Sunday, the show runs from 9 am to 7 pm (no admittance after 6).

  • Tickets: Ticket prices are as follows: Adults - $12. Senior citizens and children 7 - 12: $6. Children under 6: free. Tickets may be purchased at the event, through Ticketmaster, or you may purchase e-tickets here.

  • Parking: Take a cue from the helpful people at NAIAS and consider where you'll park before you even head out for the show. NAIAS recommends online parking system-Click and Park, which allows you to purchase a parking space in advance. If you don't want to do that, park near one of the 13 Detroit People Mover (DPM) stations and ride Detroit's monorail to Cobo Hall. If you're unfamiliar with the city, the covered structure right next to the Renaissance Center is a great bet. Park (or valet at the RenCen) and grab the DPM on Level 2 of Tower 200.

  • Driving: If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else, take advantage of the luxury motor coaches traveling between Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum and the Detroit Zoo and Cobo Hall on Saturday, January 26 and Sunday, January 28. The trip is a mere $10 - $5 for parking and $5 for the ride. Children 12 and under travel free.
For photos, videos, top 10 lists and more of what's hot at this year's show, check out continuing auto show coverage from the Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, Mlive.com or MSN Autos.

Detroit held its first auto show in 1907. The 2008 show, renamed the North American International Auto Show in 1989, is the 20th international show.

The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA), a Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. For more on the global auto show circuit, visit OICA on the Web.

Have a question or comment on this post?
I'd love to hear from you!
E-mail me at girl.in.the.d@gmail.com