Is Premium Seating at Charlotte Motor Speedway Worth It?
We spent $153.76 more than the Ticketmaster option for our NASCAR weekend. Here's what that extra money bought us, why we thought it was worth it, and what we'd recommend before purchasing your tickets.
The $150 Question
When we started planning our NASCAR weekend in Charlotte, we had a pretty straightforward goal: three races, good seats, convenient parking, and an enjoyable weekend at the track.
We weren't looking for a luxury suite or a VIP experience. We wanted to see the racing, enjoy the atmosphere, and spend as little time as possible standing in lines.
Our initial search through Ticketmaster produced a package totaling approximately $725 for two people. That included seats for all three races, parking, and our Sunday Track Pass.
But before purchasing, we contacted Charlotte Motor Speedway directly.
That turned out to be one of the best decisions we made while planning the trip.
What We Got by Booking Directly
We spoke with a representative at Charlotte Motor Speedway who helped us compare seating locations and package options.
The final purchase price was $878.76, compared with approximately $725 through Ticketmaster.
For that difference of $153.76 total, we received covered premium seating in Section 304 for the Cup and O'Reilly Series races, dedicated restrooms for both events, complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages during the Cup race, and upgraded Silver Lot parking.
Our overall purchase included tickets to all three races, Sunday Track Pass access, and parking for all three days.
It wasn't simply a $75-per-person seat upgrade. We received a better overall package for the weekend.
And those premium seating options hadn't appeared in our Ticketmaster search.
The View From Section 304
Our seats were in Row 1 of Section 304, a small covered seating area overlooking the front straightaway.
The view was terrific.
We could follow the cars through the entire circuit, watch activity on pit road, and see the cars exiting pit road to rejoin the race.
We also had a large video screen across the track, making it easier to follow replays and action we couldn't see directly.
Being in the front row meant nobody was standing immediately in front of us. And the small tables at our seats were surprisingly useful for holding food, drinks, and personal items.
The roof was another welcome feature. We'd already experienced rain disrupting Saturday's schedule, so having covered seating gave us some additional peace of mind.
We didn't need to worry about baking in the afternoon sun, either.
Of course, covered seating doesn't guarantee complete protection from wind-driven rain, but it was certainly preferable to sitting completely exposed.
Food, Drinks, and Dedicated Restrooms
One of the advantages of our package was that food and nonalcoholic beverages were included during Sunday's Cup race.
The offerings included familiar racetrack food: hot dogs, pulled pork, sides, chips, cookies, soft drinks, and bottled water.
It wasn't a gourmet dining experience, nor did we expect one.
The convenience was the selling point.
We could grab food or drinks without worrying about another purchase, and the service area was close to our seats.
Dedicated restrooms were also available for both the Cup and O'Reilly Series races.
Anyone who's attended a major sporting event knows how valuable that can be.
Instead of walking through crowded concourses and waiting in long lines, we had facilities conveniently located near our section.
One important distinction: Complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages were included for the Cup race only. They were not included during the postponed O'Reilly Series race on Sunday evening.
The Parking Upgrade Wasn't an Afterthought
Our package also included upgraded Silver Lot parking.
We were very pleased with that decision.
Our parking area was only a short walk from the speedway entrance, which was particularly convenient when arriving with our Track Pass and returning to the car after a long day. By booking well in advance, we secured a spot in the third row.
It was also helpful after the evening race, when we were tired and ready to head back to the Airbnb.
We still had to deal with event traffic, of course. Premium parking doesn't magically eliminate thousands of other vehicles.
But having a convenient parking location made the entire experience easier.
And remember, that parking improvement was part of the same $153.76 price difference.
Was It Worth the Extra Money?
For us, yes.
We spent an additional $153.76 for two people across the entire weekend.
In return, we received improved seating for two races, covered seats, convenient tables, dedicated restrooms, included food and drinks during the Cup race, and better parking.
We weren't purchasing those benefits individually, and we wouldn't claim that every one of them was essential.
But together, they made a noticeable difference.
We were able to spend more time enjoying the races and less time dealing with the inconveniences that often accompany a major sporting event.
And with the O'Reilly race postponed until Sunday evening, those comfortable seats became even more valuable during a very long day at the speedway.
Our Recommendations
🟢 Go for it!
Contact the speedway directly before purchasing tickets, especially when planning a multi-race weekend. Ask about seating packages, covered sections, parking upgrades, and included amenities. Our direct purchase provided considerably better value than the Ticketmaster option we'd been considering.
🟡 Maybe.
Paying extra for premium seating when the price difference is substantial. The value depends on the particular event, your budget, the weather, how long you'll be at the track, and whether you'll use the amenities. Compare the complete packages before deciding.
🔴 Pass on it.
Assuming the first ticketing website shows every available option, or paying for a premium package without understanding exactly what it includes. Don't assume food service, parking, or other amenities carry over from one race to another.
Would We Buy These Seats Again?
Without hesitation, assuming a similar price and package.
We'd happily return to Section 304. The view was excellent, the seating was comfortable, and the convenience of the nearby facilities made the experience better.
But the biggest lesson wasn't necessarily about premium seating.
It was about asking better questions before making the purchase.
A five-minute conversation with the speedway representative helped us discover options we hadn't found online and put together a package that suited our weekend.
That's the kind of upgrade we appreciate at Curated Upgrades.
Spending a little more isn't automatically getting a better deal. But sometimes, spending a little more gets you a whole lot more.
For the full story of our four-day getaway, read Our Charlotte NASCAR Weekend: The Plan, the Races, and the Unexpected.
For more about race-day preparation, parking, Track Pass access, and scanners, see Attending a NASCAR Race Weekend: What You Should Know.