Grandstands at the Classic - numbered or free roam??

[LooseCannon]

We did the Classic in 2006 and were stuffed by the ACO regarding our tickets (which I gather hardly marks us as unique). The grandstands were all sold out by the time we got there, luckily the weather was kind but would like to ensure some seats next time just in case.

Thing was I never found out if they were allocated or not. Looking at the ACO site they are advertising spaces in 19-Lagache and 20-Leonard, opposite the pits I gather, whereas one of the ticket agents is advertising them as free-roam.

Can anyone with more experience stop me making another mistake? Also, still can't find a decent circuit map with grandstand names/numbers and track crossings (least of all on the Le Mans website, I mean come on that would be asking too much!)

[E36GUY]

Last time (2005) it was free roam. We just helped ourselves to seats as and where we felt like taking a load off for a few mins

[James P]

In 2006 I got all my tickets (camping, general access, paddock and grandstand) from the ACO, discounted as a member. I got the ACO's own grandstand which I think was unallocated seats but only in their grandstand. I think it was opposite the pits roughly opposite the last pit garage.

[//j17]

E36GUY said:

Last time (2005) it was free roam. We just helped ourselves to seats as and where we felt like taking a load off for a few mins

As the Classic only runs every 2-years there wasn't one in 2005. I'm guessing you, like myself went in 2004 when the grandstands were open to all (and a great way of testing out different stands for the 24Hr!).

Sadly it sounds like the ACO are going more money-grabbing on the Classic as well as the 24Hrs and you now have to book stands (based on the other posts).

[LooseCannon]

E36GUY said:

We just helped ourselves to seats as and where we felt like taking a load off for a few mins

Thats what I was hoping for this year although it's sounding doubtful; there is so much to see on the infield and paddocks I would hate to be landlocked on the "wrong" side of the track with a 30 minute trudge to anything interesting.

I don't know how many points there are to cross the track either, the place is so huge that was our fist trip and I don't think we even scratched the surface! We certainly never made ot to the Southern end of the circuit, they seemed to have some little shuttle trians on but we never had time to figure them out.

[Vette_1978]

The only two crossings I'm aware of are: ped tunnel near Terte Rouge and Dunlop Bridge. There's also the road under Terte Rouge/Stella Bar and bridge near the Porsche Curves. I don't think there's anything near the Ford Chicane but could be wrong.

[The Leaper]

In addition to the Vette's information, there's a crossing at the main entrance which goes directly into The Village, and there is a ped crossing near the Ford Chicane, close by the first tribune in the pit straight. This takes you eventually to the paddock area and then The Village. R.

[Cobra Andy]

In 2006 the grandstand seats in the Tribunes were indeed numbered and allocated, but were not controlled that well.
As more and more attend this event things will get tighter.

[//j17]

...And finally, in addition to all those listed so far there is the road under the track 'South' of Maison Blanche and next to the Porsche curves. I've never ventured that far for the Classic but at the 24Hrs you have viewing areas at both the Porsche curves (outside the circuit) and the Karting centre (inside).

Oh and a map of the Tribunes - http://www.tvr-car-club.co.uk/images/events/lemans...

Edited by //j17 on Friday 28th December 09:05

[LooseCannon]

Thanks all, and thanks for the MUCH better map.

Like you say Andy I'm sure this event will be a victim of it's own success before too long, I'm just keeping everything crossed that it always conflicts with the Goodwood FOS to keep the riff raff at bay!

[Piglet]

What do you mean you were stuffed by the
ACO in 2006? Did you just order late?

I ordered our 2006 Classic tickets in December 2005, we got MB camping (which was originally the only camping then they added Karting Nord), we paid a bit extra for paddock access and they were giving free grandstand tickets so we got allocated places in Lagache for nowt.

IIRC the grandstands were roaming until Saturday & Sunday and after that they were allocated but other than peak times most were quiet.

If you download the .pdf from the booking section of lemans.org it will as usual contain the circuit map with all grandstands listed - I can't link you to it as my IPAQ won't multi-task!

You can buy classic tickets on the Aco website - MB appears to be sold out, can't remember re grsndstands.

[The Leaper]

In 2004 and 2006 I got General Entrance, Lagache Tribune and Paddock tickets. As regards the Tribune the ticket enabled us access to sit anywhere we wished, rather than a reseved seat.

The numbers of spectators in 2004 was modest so access eveywhere was a joy. In 2006 the numbers were significantly greater so access was tricky sometimes.

For 2008 I have already booked and paid for my tickets vis the ACO website (it's a bit tricky to use in my experience). ACO are currently selling only Lagache and Leonard Tribune tickets and they seem to have a specific seat allocation this time, both of which are probably a reflection that the numbers will be much higher for 2008. This may mean the whole ambience of the event will change, probably for the worse I suspect. I hope it is not going the way of the 24 Hours each June.

R.

[LooseCannon]

Piglet said:

What do you mean you were stuffed by the
ACO in 2006? Did you just order late? ......we paid a bit extra for paddock access and they were giving free grandstand tickets so we got allocated places in Lagache for nowt.

We booked in December too and expected to get the free grandstands, filled in their daft application form and sent it recorded delivery. Lots of shrugged French shoulders when nowt arrived by June, and we lost any chance of seats. Also lost best part of Friday morning finding and queueing for tickets on site.