Daytona 500 Spectator Guide

About the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 is the most prestigious race in NASCAR and the opening event of the Cup Series season. Held annually in February at Daytona International Speedway, the race draws over 100,000 spectators to the 2.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway. The speedway, known as the World Center of Racing, has hosted the Daytona 500 since 1959.

Speedweeks Events

The Daytona 500 is the culmination of Speedweeks, a multi-week festival of racing events. Activities include the Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance race in January, ARCA and Xfinity Series races, the Duel qualifying races, and the Daytona 500 itself. The entire Speedweeks period generates massive crowds and hotel demand throughout Volusia County.

Tickets and Seating

Daytona 500 tickets range from $60 for general admission to the infield to over $300 for premium grandstand seating. The DAYTONA Rising renovation added 101,000 permanent seats with improved sight lines. Premium options include suites, hospitality tents, and pit road access packages. Tickets often sell out months in advance.

Getting There

Daytona International Speedway is about 55 miles northeast of Orlando via I-4. On race day, traffic in the Daytona Beach area is extremely heavy. Parking at the speedway costs $20 to $50 depending on proximity. BusBrother provides group charter service from Orlando that avoids the traffic and parking headaches, dropping groups near the speedway entrance.

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