What started as a simple meeting between two car buffs, Tom Barrett and Russ Jackson, in the early 1960s in Scottsdale has grown exponentially over the years into one of the world’s most prestigious and highly anticipated collector car auctions. Over the course of nine days, more than 1,700 cars and 1,100 pieces of automobilia are on display – that’s a lot of ground to cover. Here are some tips to help you make the most of everything the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale has to offer.
Must-See Highlights
By all means, start with the main attraction – the cars! The first Saturday and Sunday are preview days (when all the cars are displayed prior to hitting the auction block). It’s the perfect time to browse the lots and pick out your favorites. Next, check out the automobilia collection, which includes everything from hood mascots and racing posters to gas pumps and garage relics. Other can’t-miss highlights include Thrill Rides, which puts you in the passenger seat with a professional driver for a demonstration of drifting; STEAM City, a collection of kid-focused interactive activities relating to science, technology, engineering, arts and math; the exhibitor marketplace with more than 200 vendors; a restoration garage; and, of course, the live auction.
Tips for First-Timers
- Plan to attend more than one day – there’s simply too much to see and do at the Scottsdale auction!
- Attend at least one of the preview days so you can see all the cars before they’re auctioned.
- Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to avoid waiting for parking and shuttles.
- Be sure to attend at least one auction – it’s a thrilling experience you won’t want to miss (and it’s included in your ticket!)
- On the off chance it rains, go anyway! More than 1 million square feet of the auction is under cover.
- Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities, who are often there to buy or sell automobiles.
Tickets & Packages
Single-day tickets and all-week passes are available, with discounted pricing offered for seniors (55+), students, members of the military, and first responders. Save money by purchasing tickets online in advance. Kids 12 and under are free on Family Value Day (Sat., Jan. 20), and children 5 and under are free every day.
VIP packages also are available, including the Craig Jackson Sky Box experience. This is the ultimate event ticket and includes all-week admission, an auction block tour, opening night gala tickets for you and a guest, Skybox Hospitality Suite access, an auction catalog, and much more.
Directions & Parking
The event is located at WestWorld of Scottsdale, just off SR-101 at Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. (northeast corner between Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. and Bell Rd.). Directional signage will guide you to limited general parking at WestWorld as well as overflow lots. Both paid and complimentary parking options are available, and there is a free shuttle that will take you from the lot to the entrance. If you’d like to avoid parking altogether, a special area for rideshare pick-up and drop-off is located near the main entry.
Where to Stay
When purchasing online tickets, you will have the option to add accommodations at the nearby Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Other properties in close proximity include the Scottsdale Marriott McDowell Mountains, Hilton Garden Inn Scottsdale North Perimeter Center, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Scottsdale Resort, Best Western Plus Scottsdale Thunderbird Suites, Residence Inn by Marriott Scottsdale North and Sheraton Desert Oasis.
Barrett-Jackson partners with Hotels for Hope, which donates a portion of all sales to charity. A link is available on the Barrett-Jackson event site by clicking “Hotels” on the navigation bar.
