PLAN LIKE A PRO: Make the most of your Barrett-Jackson experience in Connecticut
May 9, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Barrett-Jackson’s 2nd Annual Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut is coming up on June 21-24, 2017.
The 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut is just around the corner (June 21-24), so now is the perfect time to review what to do, where to dine and how to best experience all that Barrett-Jackson has to offer.
This year, the brand-new Barrett-Jackson-sponsored New England Concours d’Elegance will kick things off at Mohegan Sun on June 17-19 with a collector car show and a judged concours, followed by a road tour beginning and ending at Mohegan Sun. (For more information, visit NewEnglandConcours.org.)
The auction arena at Mohegan Sun is just one of many spots on the expansive property to experience all that Barrett-Jackson has to offer.
Then, while the finishing touches are put on the car displays and the Exhibitor Marketplace, consignors, sponsors and other invited guests will get a taste of the collector car extravaganza that lies ahead as they dine and dance the night away at Barrett-Jackson’s glittering Opening Night Gala. To be held on Wednesday, June 21, at Mohegan Sun’s Uncas Ballroom, the event will feature the spectacular Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra, which rocked the house during the 2017 Scottsdale Opening Night Gala.
The 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Northeast Auction officially starts on Wednesday, June 21, with Preview Day, and runs through Saturday, June 24. For those new to a Barrett-Jackson event – or new to Mohegan Sun, for that matter – get ready for an exciting time. Whether you are a bidder, consignor or spectator, it helps to know the lay of the land and plan your visit accordingly.
Mohegan Sun takes up a huge footprint, so comfortable footwear is a must. The resort’s two hotels – the Sky Tower and the new Earth Tower – are at the north side of the property, leading into the massive casino complex, which spans from the Casino of the Wind to the east, through the Casino of the Sky and on to the Casino of the Earth to the west. Entrances to the Casino of the Earth are themed by the seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Once inside, Casino of the Earth, Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Wind are connected by the Spring Gateway, so you never have to leave the building.
Complimentary “Behind The Hobby” Collector Car Symposiums will be held each morning in the Cabaret Theatre, adjacent to the auction arena.
In between the Casino of the Sky and Casino of the Earth is the Mohegan Sun Arena, which is transformed into the Barrett-Jackson auction arena for these four incredible days, where hundreds of nostalgic automobilia items and collector cars will be crossing the block. Come on in, sit for a spell (remember – floor, skybox and Muscle Lounge seating is reserved for bidders, consignors and appropriately credentialed guests; general admission seating is clearly marked) and take in the mesmerizing chant of the auctioneers as these highly sought-after collectibles head across the stage to their new homes.
There is so much more to see, however, that you won’t want to stay put in the arena for long.
Complimentary “Behind the Hobby” Collector Car Symposiums presented by American Car Collector take place every morning from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Cabaret Theatre, adjacent to the auction arena. The interactive sessions feature leading industry experts, who will give you the insider’s scoop on everything from navigating a Barrett-Jackson auction to what to look for in a collector car.
The Staging Lanes provide a great opportunity to see the auction cars prepped for the block.
Just outside the auction arena near the beginning of the tunnel leading to the Winter Garage, you’ll find the new Shell Pennzoil Pioneering Performance Stage, where – during the collector car auction – you can listen to experts and celebrities discuss details of certain vehicles as they roll off the auction block.
Of course, you’ll want to head towards the newly remodeled Winter Garage, where another large portion of the Barrett-Jackson experience takes place. Simply walk or take a shuttle through the tunnel that leads between the arena and the Winter Garage (another great way to see the collector cars in motion). You can also take the indoor escalator from the Casino of the Earth up to the Winter Corridor, which leads to the Winter Garage – or the brand-new walkway connecting the Sky Tower, the Earth Tower and the Winter Garage.
Just outside the Winter Garage are the Staging Lanes, where the auction vehicles are prepped, primped and polished before they get their turn on the stage. This is a good place to get a close-up look at the cars and perhaps talk to the actual owners.
Prior to their debut on the auction block, all of the beautiful vehicles are displayed on the first three floors in the Winter Garage and in specially erected tents nearby. You could literally spend hours in here, talking to fellow car enthusiasts, capturing photos of the perfectly polished collector cars or admiring the horsepower under the hoods.
Guests line up for a heart-stopping spin with a professional driver in a Dodge Viper at the Thrill Rides and Ride ‘N Drives.
Adjacent to the car display tents is the Auction Showcase Pavilion, where dozens of sponsor and exhibitor displays are ready for exploration. Get behind the wheel of slick sports car in a simulator, ogle the latest offerings from top automotive manufacturers and lifestyle companies, and shop for everything from the very best in automotive art and sculpture to automobilia, boats, motor homes, car care products, exquisite jewelry, apparel and more. Not far away is the new DIY Pavilion presented by Tub O’Towels, where you can pick up tips and watch projects (often including vehicle builds) come to life before your eyes.
For more not-to-be-missed adventure, head to the Thrill Rides and Ride ’N Drives presented by Dodge, Chevrolet and Ford. Located just outside the car display tents, this is where you can not only test-drive the latest vehicles, but also where you can take a high-speed spin around a closed track with a professional driver in some of the hottest sports and muscle cars in America today.
For the complete Northeast Auction schedule of events, click HERE.
For event tickets, click HERE.
To book your hotel accommodations, click HERE.
DINING AT MOHEGAN SUN
When you need to refuel, Mohegan Sun has more than 46 options from which to choose, ranging from ice cream, pizza and burgers to a number of fine dining establishments. If you’re a fan of celebrity chef Bobby Flay, you can sample his delicious cuisine from the casual Bobby’s Burger Palace or the more upscale Bar Americain. Also hosting two dining options is basketball great Michael Jordan, with his laid-back 23.sportcafe or the sophisticated Michael Jordan Steak House.
Whether you’re Irish or not, you’ll enjoy the Gaelic flair, hospitality and food at The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House – or, if you’re craving the best in Italian cuisine, opt for BALLO Italian Restaurant, inspired by San Galgano in the hills of Tuscany. (Insider’s tip for BALLO: It’s not on the menu, but ask for the Flaming Macaroni a la Torchio – a hollowed out half-wheel of Grana Padano cheese, lit on fire tableside and then filled with house-made pasta, shaved black truffle and grated Pecorino Romano. You’re welcome.)
Hash House A Go Go will serve you up hearty (and hefty) portions of comfort food all day long, and you can finish it off with something sweet from Carlo’s Bake Shop – a name familiar to fans of “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro. Since many of the Barrett-Jackson team live in the Southwest, a big winner for them during the inaugural auction last year was the delicious half-pound lobster roll at Geno’s Pub. Suffice it to say that there is something for all tastes and all pocketbooks when it comes to dining at Mohegan Sun!