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 driving experiences, an Exhibitor Marketplace with more than 300 vendors, live music the Performance Track, featuring thrill rides and hot laps.
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 price)
- 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 4-day Craig Jackson Skybox access, premium food and a private bar, access to Staging Lanes Hospitality, 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
Properties in close proximity to the auction include: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 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. Click here for a full list of Scottsdale accommodations.
