NASCAR Attendance Thin at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

September 16, 2018
Las Vegas, NV

  The second date was granted to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first time since it's existence.  The questions was posed year after year to officials at Las Vegas Motor Speedway "when will you get a second date".  The reason behind the constant question, attendance year after year has been stellar.  With the decline of attendance at many race tracks over the past few years, Las Vegas is no exception to those who have been suffering.  Since 2008, the down turn of the economy, NASCAR attendance has suffered.  Las Vegas among many race tracks have been pulling out seats, reducing capacity.  Some tracks had attendance records prior to 2008, Las Vegas was one of those who packed the place.  Bristol Motor Speedway had a waiting list to even buy tickets, that list no longer exists. 

  Today the attendance appears to be sparse, seats are vacant, especially in the Richard Petty (turn 1) and Dale Earnhardt (turn 4) terraces (upper seating coming out of turn 4 and going into turn 1).  I know the marketing and promotions departments at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have been actively working to promote the second date the minute the March race wrapped up.  It's a little bit of a surprise to see attendance struggles continue at Las Vegas, after all it is Las Vegas and there is plenty to do aside of the race track.

  So what seems to be the issue, why are fans not flocking to race tracks like they did just a few years ago, in fact just ten years ago?  I hear fans say it's the price of tickets, I find that hard to believe.  A ticket to get into Friday nights Camping World Truck Series race is under $20, the DC Solar 300 Saturday race is under $40 to get in and Sundays South Point 400 you can get a tickets and sit in the Richard Petty Terrace for under $90.  This pricing falls in line with other major sports, NBA single game ticket can be anywhere from $30 to $300 per ticket in most cases.  Concert tickets are upwards now of $65 and higher.  Sure you have travel costs such as vehicle fuel (providing you a close enough to drive), airline ticket, lodging costs and meals.  I get it, the total for a weekend can add up quickly.  Are fans just looking at their pocket books and picking a choosing which races they want or can afford to attend and / or questioning even going at all due to the race being on TV?  Is it cost or lack of interest?  This is what I keep hearing folks in my profession ask, the media that are dumb founded of the fall of the sport at a high rate of speed.  Sponsors leaving the sport, fan attendance down and TV ratings suffering.  Is NASCAR on life support? 

Ok...I didn't want to be that dramatic but I do wonder what the root of the decline may be.  I would love you feedback, comment and let me know what your thoughts are?