FIRST-TIMER’S GUIDE: Going to the Barrett-Jackson 2023 Inaugural New Orleans Auction
August 11, 2023
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the inaugural Barrett-Jackson New Orleans Auction! There’s an abundance of exciting things to explore and participate in during this event, and we want you to enjoy every aspect of it. To make the most of your auction experience and move through the event like a seasoned pro, we’ve put together these valuable tips for you. Let’s dive in and enjoy an unforgettable time together!
ABOUT THE AUCTION
The New Orleans Auction is a three-day event held September 28-30 at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130. The auction features hundreds of collector vehicles on display within the air-conditioned convention center, along with over 300 automobilia items, all selling with No Reserve to the highest bidder. The event offers Thrill Rides from Dodge and Toyota on the Barrett-Jackson Performance Track, indoor shopping as part of the vast Exhibitor Marketplace, interactive fun in the Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone, fascinating sponsor displays, and a festival of food and beverages.
PRO TIP: To optimize your event experience, visit Barrett-Jackson.com or download the Barrett-Jackson Live app ahead of the event to see the site map, schedule of events, vehicles and automobilia offered for sale, ticket information and more.
The primary highlight undoubtedly lies in the breathtaking display of collector vehicles. To fully enjoy your visit, allocate ample time to peruse the Lots. A “Lot” represents an individual object or vehicle offered for sale at the auction. You can add your preferred Lots to your “garage” using the Barrett-Jackson Live app, where you’ll have the option to “heart” them. This way, you can conveniently track their selling time and final sale price.
As you venture through the auction site, you’ll notice the auction arena, where all the bidding action unfolds. Just follow the distinctive chant of the auctioneers, and you’ll be in the midst of excitement. To the left of the auction block, you’ll find the staging lanes, offering an up-close and personal view of the vehicles lined up and ready for their turn on the stage.
Another must-see aspect is the Automobilia Auction, where you’ll find an array of nostalgic collectibles up for bidding each day before the collector vehicle auction begins. The Automobilia Auction showcases a delightful assortment, ranging from authentic period-correct neon signs to charming kiddie rides, vintage gas pumps and various other captivating collectibles. Simply strolling through the automobilia display will transport you on a delightful and nostalgic journey down memory lane.
For all the speed enthusiasts out there, check out the exhilarating Barrett-Jackson Performance Track outside the north end of the convention center lobby. This is the place to experience heart-pounding Thrill Rides with skilled professional drivers in the latest vehicles from Dodge and Toyota. And the best part is, Thrill Rides are all included with your admission to the event.
HOW DO I GET TICKETS?
Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson with Convention Center President Michael J. Sawaya and Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson.
Purchase your tickets online and go digital with the AXS Tickets app. You can choose from single-day tickets or 3-day tickets, with special discounts available for seniors, children, students, first responders and military members. Tickets purchased online in advance also come with special pricing. By using the AXS Tickets app you will have streamlined entry into the event.
Children 12 and under can enter for free when accompanied by an adult on Thursday and Friday of the event. Children 5 and under receive free admission on Saturday.
PRO TIP: A clear bag policy is in effect. Guests will only be permitted to enter the auction site with clutch handbags that do not exceed 6.5×4.5 inches or clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12x6x12 inches (or 1-gallon clear plastic bags). Clear bags are for sale at the merchandise stand near the auction entrance if you forget to bring your own. Security officers will be checking all bags at the auction entrance, and guests will be screened for weapons and contraband.
General admission tickets provide access to the entire event site, except for the auction block itself, reserved seats for bidders and private skyboxes. There is designated general admission seating on the sides and behind the bidder area in the auction arena, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seats are available throughout the day as people come and go.
For an elevated experience, consider the three VIP Experiences available at the New Orleans Auction. Each experience provides access to hosted bars, gourmet food, signature cocktails and fantastic views of the auction action from private areas, including the owner’s suite for those seeking an extraordinary time at the event.
HOW DO I BECOME A BIDDER?
Going through the registration process and getting your bidder badge just takes a few simple steps. You can start online at Barrett-Jackson.com, call the bidder department at 480-421-6694 or easily sign up on-site at the auction office.
You will need to provide evidence of financial credibility in the form of a Bank Letter of Guaranty, pre-approval with Woodside Credit (a nationwide collector car finance company) or a Wire Transfer Guaranty, each with a minimum limit of $30,000. Alternatively, you can provide a cashier’s check or bank wire transfer deposit of 10% of the limit you desire (the minimum deposit required is $9,000 for a bid limit of $90,000). Proof of vehicle insurance is also required.
Once you’ve registered, your starting bid can be as low or as high as you’d like – as long as it is within your pre-determined bid limit.
WHERE IS THE AUCTION?
The Barrett-Jackson New Orleans Auction will take place at the renowned New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, located at 900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130.
Prepare to put on comfortable walking shoes, as the convention center is the sixth-largest convention facility in the entire nation. Everything is conveniently located under one roof and on a single level, providing the perfect setting for The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions.
When it comes to satisfying your appetite, the convention center has got you covered. There are three permanent dining options that not only offer delectable menus featuring iconic Louisiana dishes but also entertain you with live local music to create an unforgettable dining experience. The talented and award-winning chef Donald Link ‒ renowned for his culinary masterpieces at Herbsaint, Cochon and Cochon Butcher ‒ curates the menus, ensuring a delicious sampling of authentic New Orleans flavors.
Additionally, the center boasts a unique bar designed to resemble an iconic New Orleans streetcar, adding to the city’s charm and ambiance. And for those looking for a quick bite, there are a variety of convenient concession stands available.
HOW DO I GET TO THE CONVENTION CENTER?
The convention center is conveniently located approximately 17 miles from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. For those arriving via commercial and private flights, this airport is the primary choice. Additionally, the center is just 10 miles away from the New Orleans Lakefront Airport, which serves private flights and is reachable within a 15-minute drive.
For guests utilizing taxis or rideshare services, there are designated zones near the convention center specifically allocated for drop-off and pick-up purposes.
WHERE CAN I PARK?
Ample parking is available at the convention center for a daily fee. Electric vehicle owners will be pleased to find four free charging stations conveniently located in Lot F at 400 Calliope Street.
For added convenience, attendees can reserve parking spaces in advance – visit the convention center website and click “visitors” for more information.
WHERE SHOULD I STAY?
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside, serving as Barrett-Jackson’s host hotel, enjoys a convenient location just down the street from the convention center. This proximity allows attendees to enjoy an easy and short walk between the two locations during the event.
For a wider selection of hotel options, you can refer to the “Hotel” link provided on the Barrett-Jackson.com home page. This resource will offer you additional hotel choices ‒ including the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans ‒ for your stay during the event.
ANY OTHER PRO TIPS?
Major credit and debit cards are accepted forms of payment at the auction. Certain exhibitors and food/beverage locations may also offer mobile wallet systems as a payment option.
Because there is so much to see and do, plan on spending more than one day at the event. Thursday offers an energetic atmosphere and Friday ramps it up a bit, while Saturday is your opportunity to see the showcase vehicles cross the auction block, the highest chance to see a vehicle sell for an auction world-record price or catch a glimpse of a celebrity.
All of us at Barrett-Jackson look forward to seeing you at the inaugural New Orleans event. If we can be of any assistance, please visit our website at Barrett-Jackson.com, reach out to us with questions at 480-421-6694 or send an email to [email protected].