SETTING THE STAGE: Barrett-Jackson brings big improvements to WestWorld of Scottsdale
January 9, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
The vast Barrett-Jackson auction site at WestWorld.
To Barrett-Jackson CEO Craig Jackson, the customer experience is paramount. Years ago, when customers hinted that they’d like to occasionally take a break from the hours of bidding action in the auction arena Jackson took note, and Barrett-Jackson evolved from just a collector car auction into a world-class automotive lifestyle experience, with a multitude of activities and attractions for people of all ages to enjoy.
When the company first moved its Arizona event to WestWorld of Scottsdale in 1989, the auction arena was housed in a large temporary tent, with most auction cars displayed on the grass or dirt grounds, some covered by temporary tents and some open to the elements.
Over the years, Barrett-Jackson, which utilizes more than 75 acres of the 386-acre events facility, has continued to work in conjunction with the City of Scottsdale to expand and improve the site. The most notable improvements happened in 2005 with the addition of a more-or-less permanent structure – known to many as the “City Tent” – and in 2012, when there was a major $52 million expansion of the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Center (where the current Sponsor Pavilion and auction arena are located).
More than 126,000 square feet of additional asphalt has been installed at WestWorld in preparation for the 2018 Scottsdale Auction.
In 2014, Barrett-Jackson connected the Equestrian Center and the City Tent by a structure recognized by Guinness World Records as the “Largest Single-Unit Marquee,” and bringing the total “under cover” space occupied by The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auction to more than one million square feet – an important factor to those selling their prized, polished collector cars at the event.
Still, a few tented areas remained where vehicles were displayed on fabric-covered ground rather than blacktop pads. Consignors will be happy to hear that is now a thing of the past. In preparation for the January 13-21, 2018, auction, more than 126,000 square feet of additional asphalt has been installed and an additional 20,000 square feet of indoor space has been added with a new 200-foot-wide tent.
“As the collector car industry evolves, so does our company,” says Jackson. “We continue to find ways, both large and small, to improve the customer experience. I’m confident our consignors, in particular, will be happy with this latest development.”
To view the vehicles for sale at the upcoming Scottsdale Auction, click HERE.