ACO membership - Worth it at this point?
Discussion
Will start off by saying that I'm a Le Mans virgin, have wanted to go for years but haven't ever really been able to get the time / money together.
With that out of the way, at this point is there really any point in going for an ACO membership? I'll be ordering two grandstand tickets / general admission tickets but obviously the saving there isn't going to make up much of the cost of the VIP membership. Accommodation is being handled through a third party, so there wont be any discounts available there.
Is it worth it in part for the Espace Privilege Club ACO?
I know that ACO members have access to different grandstands, but I'm assuming that all of those seats are long since booked up? Do ACO members have access to any reserved seating in the normal grandstands? For instance, 34 A-D / 19-21 and 5 show as fully booked on the normal ticket site. Is this the same for the ACO members ticket site?
Anyway, thanks for any assistance. I'm really starting to look forward to it now.
With that out of the way, at this point is there really any point in going for an ACO membership? I'll be ordering two grandstand tickets / general admission tickets but obviously the saving there isn't going to make up much of the cost of the VIP membership. Accommodation is being handled through a third party, so there wont be any discounts available there.
Is it worth it in part for the Espace Privilege Club ACO?
I know that ACO members have access to different grandstands, but I'm assuming that all of those seats are long since booked up? Do ACO members have access to any reserved seating in the normal grandstands? For instance, 34 A-D / 19-21 and 5 show as fully booked on the normal ticket site. Is this the same for the ACO members ticket site?
Anyway, thanks for any assistance. I'm really starting to look forward to it now.
Psychotext said:
With that out of the way, at this point is there really any point in going for an ACO membership? I'll be ordering two grandstand tickets / general admission tickets but obviously the saving there isn't going to make up much of the cost of the VIP membership.
At about 17 euro per general admission ticket and no discount on the grandstands, it will save you 34 euro, so far from the 105 euro a VIP membership is.Psychotext said:
Is it worth it in part for the Espace Privilege Club ACO?
Although I liked the Espace Privilege, I didn't like it 70 euro... It offers a nice view on the inside of the Dunlop curves towards the esses, which I enjoyed a few times during race(week). Didn't make use of the restaurant/bar.Psychotext said:
I know that ACO members have access to different grandstands, but I'm assuming that all of those seats are long since booked up? Do ACO members have access to any reserved seating in the normal grandstands? For instance, 34 A-D / 19-21 and 5 show as fully booked on the normal ticket site. Is this the same for the ACO members ticket site?
Same here, makes no difference.All in all, I think the ACO VIP membership starts making sense when you order 4 or more General Entrance tickets and a few campsite tickets. Break even is from 6x General Entrance. Don't forget you also get a membership package a few months after the race containing all official results per hour, poster and other memorabilia, and it will give you discount in the ACO shop. One of the other benefits is that during scrutineering, you can get an innercircle guided tour.
In your case, saving 34 euros isn't worth the trouble, but I can't decide for you of course.
Edited by vincegail on Friday 10th January 12:34
Just to add to Vincegail's comprehensive summary, up until 2013 ACO membership enabled you to watch the race free from one of the grandstands opposite the pits (I can't remember the stand number, but it was a yellow older permanent stand). Not the best equipped, but as a Freemans you couldn't knock it. You could take up to 4 or 5 chums along at 5 Euros each, not reserved seating, first come, first served, but never an issue getting a seat.
This changed in 2013, causing a lot of upset to ACO members who'd previously made use of it.
There are other perks you get too, but if you're staying off site they probably would not interest you greatly.
This changed in 2013, causing a lot of upset to ACO members who'd previously made use of it.
There are other perks you get too, but if you're staying off site they probably would not interest you greatly.
I've been an ACO member for several years. I also think that ACO membership is best considered in the context of cost versus the discount on tickets ordered via the ACO. Mind you, the most I have always bought is for 4 persons, which includes general entry, grandstand seats, parking by the circuit.
ACO members also get access to the ACO ticketing website 2 weeks ahead of the public which means that ACO members are far more likely to get exactly what they want. I have always regarded this as probably the number one reason for being a member but only because of getting seats where I wish. If you don't want seats it follows that ACO membership is questionable on cost grounds.
Regarding grandstands all are/were available and you do not need to be an ACO member to get seats. However, tribune 18, the ACO grandstand is usually very popular among members and is probably the first to sell out. It is the only grandstand with a bar and food facilities inside. There are also excellent (by Le Mans standards) toilets and shower facilities. All these are only available to ACO members. Personally, I think there are better grandstands so I prefer seating elsewhere but my ACO membership will still get me access to the ACO grandstand bar, toilets and showers during the race week.
As this is your first time, there's a case for not paying to be ACO members, getting fixed up on a D-I-Y basis and then after you have had your first experience (you WILL return!)you can decide if you need anything special and whether ACO membership would be worthwhile.
R.
ACO members also get access to the ACO ticketing website 2 weeks ahead of the public which means that ACO members are far more likely to get exactly what they want. I have always regarded this as probably the number one reason for being a member but only because of getting seats where I wish. If you don't want seats it follows that ACO membership is questionable on cost grounds.
Regarding grandstands all are/were available and you do not need to be an ACO member to get seats. However, tribune 18, the ACO grandstand is usually very popular among members and is probably the first to sell out. It is the only grandstand with a bar and food facilities inside. There are also excellent (by Le Mans standards) toilets and shower facilities. All these are only available to ACO members. Personally, I think there are better grandstands so I prefer seating elsewhere but my ACO membership will still get me access to the ACO grandstand bar, toilets and showers during the race week.
As this is your first time, there's a case for not paying to be ACO members, getting fixed up on a D-I-Y basis and then after you have had your first experience (you WILL return!)you can decide if you need anything special and whether ACO membership would be worthwhile.
R.
Agree
Only really worth it if you want access to Tribune 17/18 or for booking multiple GE passes. Then it pays for it'self.
Bit of advice for a LMV regarding stands, T34 is not a good stand IMHO. The view is very restricted although you can lean over the barrier and look over the cars in the pit lane.
T16 (Sommer) is excellent. Good views from the Ford chicane to Dunlop and opposite a big screen.
Again, IMHO.
If you can't get them from the ACO, they will be available from most decent ACO approved agencies.
Only really worth it if you want access to Tribune 17/18 or for booking multiple GE passes. Then it pays for it'self.
Bit of advice for a LMV regarding stands, T34 is not a good stand IMHO. The view is very restricted although you can lean over the barrier and look over the cars in the pit lane.
T16 (Sommer) is excellent. Good views from the Ford chicane to Dunlop and opposite a big screen.
Again, IMHO.
If you can't get them from the ACO, they will be available from most decent ACO approved agencies.
I agree with MMM: T34 is not a good stand to be in: it's over the pits so you cannot see any pits action unless you're in the front row or standing in a gangway at the front. It also usually faces the prevailing weather: it was almost empty during the 2013 race because of the weather.
I know where I'd rather be!
It's all a matter of personal choice, of course!
R.
I know where I'd rather be!
It's all a matter of personal choice, of course!
R.
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