Naval Base Coronado is unlike any other facility that has ever hosted a NASCAR race.
Read more U.S. Open braces for a tough and windy Shinnecock Hills
It is an active military base and as such has special requirements for anyone visiting the site — even those holding tickets for the Saturday and Sunday portion of the historic NASCAR San Diego Weekend.
NASCAR, Navy and local government agencies are clear about what’s accepted this weekend.
All fans in attendance must carry a valid government-issued photo ID at all times, be patient and, if possible, plan on arriving early and leaving late.
Attendance for Friday’s Craftsman Trucks race and NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Series practice sessions is limited to personnel and families of Naval Base Coronado, plus select Coronado residents. But approximately 50,000 tickets have been sold to the public for the featured Saturday and Sunday programs.
That’s a total of 100,000 visitors — the large majority of whom have never before been on Naval Base Coronado or any military base. Plus, Naval Base Coronado is operating under enhanced security measures.
“Planning ahead is going to be important,” said John Duncan, the mayor of Coronado. “Please read all the material that comes with the purchase of a ticket.”
Some musts for ticket holders:
• Even though you hold a ticket, you will not be allowed onto Naval Base Coronado without a valid government-issued photo identification card. Driver’s licenses will work for most visitors. Foreign nationals will need a valid passport. Security screening procedures will be in place for all attendees. Fans without proper identification will not be allowed onto the base.
• All fans must enter through the Stockdale Gate. That gate flows directly from the Coronado Bridge. Just follow the flow of traffic as you come over the bridge. Parking lots and base access open at 7 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with spectator gates opening at 9 a.m.
Read more World Cup: Ghana edges Panama on Caleb Yirenki’s late goal
• Have your parking passes ready upon arrival at the base. Every NASCAR San Diego ticket includes a digital parking pass for a specific lot. Before departing for Naval Base Coronado, fans should download their parking pass and have it and the tickets accessible before reaching the Stockdale Gate, where tickets will be verified before entry onto the base.
• All event parking will be located on Naval Base Coronado. There is no event parking available within the city of Coronado. Upon reaching the Stockdale Gate, fans should follow official event directions to specific lots corresponding to their tickets.
• Carpooling is encouraged. The Metropolitan Transit System will also have service from the downtown transit center to the Naval Air Station North Island Transit Center.
•NASCAR and the Navy have come up with several incentives to have fans arrive early and stay late Saturday and Sunday. The first 10,000 fans arriving at the track Saturday and Sunday will receive a commemorative giveaway item. Saturday’s gift will be a Panini Trading Card Pack celebrating the San Diego Race Weekend. Sunday’s gift will be a pair of Mechanix Wear FastFit gloves.
After the conclusion of Saturday’s O’Reilly Series race and Sunday’s featured Anduril 250 for Cup cars, there will be live entertainment, including the opportunity Saturday to walk the track and be in the audience for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast. Fan Zone vendors will also remain open.
“I’m really excited,” said Capt. Loren Jacobi, the commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado.
“We’re bringing two great American institutions together, the Navy and NASCAR. And we’re doing that with a purpose. It’s not just about the cars and the drivers, this is really about celebrating the Navy’s and our nation’s 250th birthday.
“We have the opportunity here to tell the story of our Navy and our Navy families. This is the result of two years of planning. Plus, it’s a chance for the public to see the Navy up close and personal in a way they might not be able to otherwise. It’s an incredible opportunity for the Navy and Naval Base Coronado.”
Read more College World Series: North Carolina, Oklahoma to meet in best-of-3 finals