2008 North American International Auto Show Announces Fun-Filled, Family-Oriented Attractions During Public Days, Jan. 19-27
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Activities, show hours, tickets & parking info help attendees plan their visit to Cobo Center
DETROIT, Jan. 15 -- Public Days for the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit from Jan. 19-27 are jam-packed with fun, family-oriented activities all attendees can enjoy.
"This world-class event has so much to offer everyone from car enthusiasts who visit the show annually, to kids wanting to see their first concept vehicle," said Carl Galeana, senior co-chairman of the NAIAS 2008. "The cutting-edge technologies mixed with interactive attractions and entertaining displays offer an event perfect for the entire family."
Family Attractions
Manufacturers continue to create incredible exhibits with educational and action-packed activities and events that are expected to draw crowds. The thunderous Mach 5, Speed Racer's supercharged race car featured in Warner Bros. Pictures' new high-octane, live-action film, "Speed Racer," will be displayed Jan. 19-21 at NAIAS 2008 in Michigan Hall. This is a unique opportunity to see the Mach 5 before it jets into action on May 9, 2008, when "Speed Racer" opens in theatres nationwide. Families should keep their eyes peeled for "Speed Racer" themed giveaways at the show.
As families venture downstairs to Michigan Hall, they will discover a host of spectacular games and realistic video simulators including exhibits from Denso International America, Inc., XM Satellite Radio, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, State Farm Insurance, MSU Formula Car, UMich Solar Car, DUB Magazine and many others. In addition, presenting sponsor, Sprint, will feature a special interactive display that showcases four 3/4-scale racing simulators throughout NAIAS Public Days. Also Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land is pleased to join the Michigan Sheriffs' Association to feature "The Convincer," a crash simulator that allows family members to feel how seatbelts save lives firsthand. The NAIAS also expects many local, national and worldwide celebrities to attend the show, so keep your eyes peeled!
Getting to and from the Show
NAIAS 2008 offers fast and easy options to help attendees have the best experience possible getting to and from the show.
-- Plan in advance. Did you know that you can purchase a parking space in
advance? Click and Park is an online parking system that allows show
attendees the convenience of purchasing a parking space in select lots
near the NAIAS up to 24 hours prior to attending. Parking spaces can
be purchased through www.ClickandPark.com.
Don't want to drive downtown? Shuttle services to Cobo Center from The
Henry Ford in Dearborn and the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak are available
on Jan. 19-21, 26 and 27. Parking is $5 at these locations and
families can then take a shuttle for $5 per person round-trip directly
to Cobo Center, children 12 and under travel free.
-- E-Tickets. To avoid long ticket lines, try purchasing e-tickets online
at www.naias.com. For families with small children, tickets for
children 7-12 must be purchased on-site at Cobo Center. Ticket prices
are $12 (US and CAN) for adults; $6 (US and CAN) for senior citizens
(65 and older) and children aged 7-12; children six and under are free
with their parent.
-- What to bring to the show? Taking in the hundreds of vehicles and the
glitz and glamour on the show floor can be an all day event. Here are
some items to bring along to make your trip more enjoyable. Wear
comfortable shoes. Carry essentials in a light-weight backpack --
keeping your personal items close (keys, cell phone, camera), but out
of the way. Just in case you can't tear yourself away from the show,
bring along any necessary medication or other items you could need
throughout the day. Also, remember that hydration is your friend --
bottles of water or other beverages at snack locations are available
for purchase and will keep you cool while walking the show floor.
Don't forget to bring along your camera to snap those candid photos at
the show and submit them to www.naias.com by Sunday, Jan. 27 for entry
into the second annual NAIAS Photo Contest sponsored by WWJ Newsradio
950.
At The Show
-- Pick up your tickets. E-tickets purchased online will be redeemed for
show tickets at the eTicket window, located outside the Oakland
entrance of Cobo Center with the online voucher. Or you can purchase
tickets on-site at the ticket booths on the Cobo Center concourse.
-- Pick up your NAIAS program and show floor map. Program books and show
floor maps are available through the Cobo Concourse. Plot your route
and highlight exhibits you want to see.
-- Get rid of the bulk. To maximize comfort, be sure to stop by coat
check to store winter coats.
-- Be ready for security checkpoints. Keep purses, bags and jackets
accessible. All guests carrying purses, bags and jackets will be asked
to open them to scan for any restricted items. Metal detectors and
police dogs also will have a presence to ensure the safety and security
of all NAIAS attendees.
-- Take a break. There are benches located throughout the show floor to
stop and take break along the way. Be sure to visit the NAIAS Food
Court located in Cobo Arena. There will be a variety of food and
beverage choices available for the entire family including pizza,
nachos, ice cream, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, burritos, gyro
sandwiches, philly cheese steak sandwiches and a wide array of sodas,
juices and adult beverages. To satisfy that sweet tooth, be sure to
enjoy some original Mackinac Island fudge at Ryba's Fudge Shop in Cobo
Arena and other locations on the show floor. These tasty stations
produce 600 pounds of fudge per day at NAIAS Public Days.
NAIAS 2008 Official Dates
Public Days will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 through Saturday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early access to the show is available for the disabled at 8 a.m. via the Oakland entrance.
The North American International Auto Show Rod Alberts - Executive Director
Entering its 20th year as an international event, the North American International Auto Show is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the Paris- based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The NAIAS Web site can be accessed at www.naias.com. Don't Miss It for the World!