Author: Joe Laing (Marketing Director for El Monte RV)
The Ultimate Tailgating Experience at Pocono Raceway
Racing fans who love to tailgate are making plans to converge on Pocono Raceway this race season. If you’ve never watched a race on the “Tricky Triangle”, there’s plenty of time to collect your best tailgating techniques and join the fans in Long Pond, PA.
Not sure where to start while planning your parking lot party? Here’s your guide to the ultimate tailgating experience at Pennsylvania’s Pocono Raceway.
Where You Can Tailgate at Pocono Raceway
You have several options for tailgating at Pocono—in the (free) parking lot or in one of the raceway’s many camping areas.
Only planning to visit on race day? Set up the grill in the parking lot before or after the race—Pocono welcomes tailgaters to cook up a storm, with a few simple rules to keep things safe:
- Keep the party contained to your parking space; please don’t restrict the flow of traffic by extending shelters, grills and other tailgating equipment into driving lanes.
- No open campfires are permitted, bring your grill or plan menus that don’t require on-site cooking.
- Leave the pets, weapons and amplified music at home.
If you’re planning to camp and tailgate the entire race weekend, you’re also going to love your options at Pocono. Whether you prefer camping in the infield, at the fence line, trackside or next to the grandstands, there’s a place to set up camp in your self-contained RV (or tent, in some campgrounds).
Choose your campsite, check the track’s website for RV restrictions, purchase your camping passes and get ready for a weekend of camping, tailgating and top-notch racing action. These are the camping basics:
- Specific camping passes include two guest tickets, but check the Pocono Raceway Camping Options to learn how many total tickets you’ll need to purchase before you come.
- One-day, Sunday only infield passes are available with no vehicle charge.
- Pocono Raceway is family-friendly and in most cases, kids twelve and under are eligible for heavily discounted tickets, so don’t leave the family at home!
- Make sure your RV pre-race planning (or tent camping gear) includes bringing your own supply of water. Non-potable water is available within the Infield for non-drinking use; drinking water isn’t available for campers in any campground.
- If you’re camping in the infield, you’ll need to purchase a Dash Pass or Individual Pass to exit and re-enter the Infield area.
But enough about where to park or camp! We’re here to talk about how to have the ultimate tailgating experience at Poconos Raceway. If you’ve never hosted a tailgate party at the track, the pros will tell you it’s all in the planning.
Questions to Answer as You Plan Your Pocono Raceway Tailgate Party
- How many people will you be feeding?
- What do you love to serve at a cookout or picnic?
- What desserts and sides will wow your tailgate party guests?
- How can you prepare those foods with the least amount of hassle on race day (or over race weekend?) Hint: doing prep work at home lets the tailgate chef join the party quicker.
- What equipment will you need—coolers, grill, cooking and serving dishes, utensils and pans?
- What will you need to ensure food safety at the raceway?
Keep the menu simple, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether your tastes run to grilled meats with a pot of baked beans or foil-pack mini pizzas cooked right on the coals, you can make it happen by planning ahead.
Pick a theme and carry it through for the weekend or amaze your fellow race fans with a race day extravaganza. If you aren’t sure what to cook your first time out, the Raceway has even provided recipes for Pocono tailgate chefs on its website.
Bonus Tip for Dog Lovers Coming to Pocono Raceway
Especially if you’re planning to camp and tailgate the entire race weekend, being able to bring along the family dog makes your time at Pocono Raceway even more enjoyable. You’ll be glad to know that Pocono Raceway is the first racetrack to offer an area in the field infield for dogs. The Pocono Raceway Bark Park will open in 2016 and feature a 100 feet by 100 feet facility that will be open to all dogs in the field, featuring a secure gate, obstacles and size appropriate exercise areas. The raceway is also offering a limited-edition Pocono Raceway Bark Park Dog Tag for its four-legged guests.
Coming to a NASCAR or Indy car event at Pocono Raceway can be the highlight of racing season, especially if you plan to serve great food while you’re there. Pick which races you’ll be watching, get your tickets early and get started planning your gourmet tailgating menus. It’s going to be a tasty season of racing in the Poconos.
About The Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, a nationwide RV rental company. Joe has been on the road working within the travel industry for over 20 years, and greatly enjoys exploring the outdoors. Joe has been camping across the United States, from coast-to-coast, and makes a point to stop at national landmarks along the way. He is also actively involved in numerous campground associations, including RVIA’s Go RV’ing committee, as well as travel industry associations.
Matt mckeon |
Hello, we are traveling from ny to see the race, we were just wondering if anyone sets up a tailgate that we can join. Like an entrance fee and food and drink all day? Thank you in advance.
Pocono Raceway |
Matt – We look forward to seeing you next weekend. Parking for Grandstand guests is FREE all weekend long. Our parking attendants provided enough space for you to tailgate and many fans do this so we are positive you will find friends. We also have two other options. Visit https://www.poconoraceway.com/ticket/nascar-1/upgrades and scroll down the page to learn more about our VIP and Premium VIP Tailgating ticket add on. We also just introduced The Foxhole, a sports bar open from 1:30 p.m. to Lap 120 of Sunday’s race. That information is also included on that web page. If you have any follow up questions, call our ticket office at 1-800-722-3929.
David Ortwein |
Is there some place that we can park extra vehicles? A group of us are camping at the trackside rv. Our camper is a tow behind and will have at least two trucks. Thanks!
Pocono Raceway |
Hello, Please give our ticket office a call at 1-800-722-3929. They will be able to walk you through the process.
Jeanne O'Connor |
First timers at the raceway, are coolers allowed inside the track?? Best bet for easy in/easy out parking?
Pocono Raceway |
Yes coolers are permitted. the max size is 12x12x12. For more information please visit poconoraceway.com/faninfo. To enter and exit the facility please plan to use either Gate 5 or Gate 7.