Calling all car enthusiasts, those in the market to buy a car this year, or anyone looking for something fun and different to do! The Philadelphia International Auto Show starts with a black tie tailgate party on Friday January 27, 2017 from 7:00PM to 11:30PM where you can preview the show in style, drink, eat food from local vendors, and dance the night away. Tickets for the event start at $250. Proceeds from this event go to the Devision of Neurology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
General admission tickets for the auto show are $7 for children and seniors, $11 for active military, and $14 for adults. Seniors are able to purchase $7 tickets during weekdays at the Convention Center box office. The show runs January 28th through February 5th 2017. For hours and more information visit the website.
1. Avoid the Crowds
If it is at all possible try to visit the Philadelphia Auto Show midweek. The show runs from noon till 10 PM each week night and if you’re able to go during the week you will certainly be able to take advantage of all the show has to offer without many lines or bumping into too many people. This is also when the Senior discount is available.
When it opened in 1993, the Pennsylvania Convention Center — part of the restored and repurposed Reading Terminal and Market — boasted imaginative decor.
2. Secret Entrance
Well, OK it’s not a secret but most people who go to the Auto Show don’t realize that there are two entrances. One is across from the Reading Terminal Market and is usually loaded with people in line to get in. The other is a newer opened entrance right at Broad Street, the west entrance of the convention center. So if your only choice is to visit during the weekend when the crowds are in full swing try to get in without having to wait in much of a line so that you can join the action quickly.
3. It’s All about the Free Stuff
Pretty much every major manufacturer is being represented at the Philadelphia International Auto Show and most, if not all, of them have pretty nice prizes to give away for free. A lot of manufacturers offer nice tote bags that are great for grocery shopping. Those are usually right at the front desk of each display, if you don’t see them just ask! Also the car companies do short presentations about the new cars in their lineup and/or game show style type productions. If you take just a couple of minutes to listen to them there are usually prizes to be had at the end, and you get to hear firsthand what that manufacture is up to this year. Prizes usually include everything from dress scarves to nice flashlights.
4. Take those Wheels for a spin without the Sales Pressure
It’s a pretty well-known fact that going to a dealership to buy a car can be a difficult process sometimes. There is a lot of sales pressure and it’s not as easy to just take the car out for a drive without feeling obligated to put money down. The Auto Show is there to take that pressure away. In addition to product specialists on the auto show floor there to answer any of your questions about the vehicles, a number of manufactures including Toyota, Kia, GMC, and Ford will also have test drives of some of their popular vehicles available outside on the Philly streets. As long as you are a licensed driver you can sign up and take them for a spin yourself accompanied by an expert who will be able to answer all of your questions. And the best part? They can’t sell you a car, so there’s no sales pressure! Oh and you also might get yourself a great prize or a gift card for taking the test drive!
5. Incentives
If you are indeed in the market to buy a car some of the manufacturers offer great incentives for coming to the Auto Show. These incentives can range from money back on your purchase to a $50 visa gift card just for heading to the dealer and taking a test drive there. Always ask the product specialists with in each display if there are any Auto Show incentives being offered.
So get your motor running Philly, the Philadelphia International Auto Show is back in town!
We Are Supported By:
