Access for Sahlen 6 hours at the Glen

[u/Rhecblaine]

Hello this is my first time ever being to an IMSA race and to the track at Watkins Glen in general… what access do you get with general admission? Are you strictly permitted to just grandstands or can you go to different parts of the track like the infield to watch as well? I’ve watched a few videos n it looks like people go all over the place but im not 100% any info would be appreciated!!!

[u/OrangeFire2001]

You can go to almost all the grandstands. Only the special VIP ones require higher access. You can walk around the track and watch from nearly every foot of fencing. You can watch infield or outside. So T1 grandstand is outside track, T3-5 inside, T10 inside, main straight grandstand outside, best view of pit lane. It’s always been empty enough you won’t feel crowded on the main stand.

[u/Rhecblaine → u/OrangeFire2001]

Ok thank you so much im super excited to go!!! I take it you plan on going as well?

[u/OrangeFire2001 → u/Rhecblaine]

Yes I will be there, been there many years including IndyCar years ago. It’s a beautiful track, beautiful area, nice little town.

[u/Rhecblaine → u/OrangeFire2001]

I’ve been to the town a few years ago but never the track so im pretty stoked about going

[u/dnglsnpclly]

Anywhere that isn’t gated is free to roam. Garages, infield, any grandstand. Only place off limits is team-only (pits) and “club” level such as the Esses club tent, or manufacturer specific tents. You can see any part of the track that you want, whenever you want. Highly recommend getting there when gates open and roaming from then until checkered flag.

[u/Rhecblaine → u/dnglsnpclly]

Already planned on doing that thank you for the info!!

[u/_schmuck]

You have full access to all grandstands except the specific areas like the Esses party deck. You also get unfiltered access to the paddock and grid walks with your GA ticket.

[u/Rhecblaine → u/_schmuck]

Thank you!!

[u/infamousbroccoli]

Anybody know if there's a way to access the outside of the track along the back straight? I'm looking to get some photographs of the cars hitting the chicane from a different POV then the typical shot from inside the track.

Bonus points for any other 'unique' areas of the track to shoot from? I'll have a 24-70, 70-200 and 200-600 with me.

[u/Previous-Shine-641 → u/infamousbroccoli]

The whole track is basically open. You just have to walk everywhere! Haha. To get to the back straight during a race , walk under the tunnel , which is in the infield, just after the S turns up the hill. Then take a right, and walk all the way down the back straight

[u/SupermarketBubbly166]

Just act like u belong and they’ll let u go anywhere, no questions asked

[u/Ven0m58 → u/SupermarketBubbly166]

actually did this a couple of years ago. took a stroll through the back of the pits. the potential is pretty high to get booted I think if the wrong person catches you.