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FWIW, I looked for rooms at Big Cedar right as this was announced on RDL. They rooms must've been blocked off in anticipation. The only thing available are some cabins, which might be the move if you have a larger group.
Fortunately there's no shortage of hotels in Branson and it's only a ~20 min drive. There's no shuttle, but Branson touts some kind of way to hail a group party bus that I haven't figured out yet. Someone could probably crowdsource a Vitard bus if they wanted to.
I emailed them about this yesterday but have not heard back yet. I see they have an oversized/rv parking lot. That would be clutch if they offered camping spots.
Same. I think it’s similar to what happened at MXON. I tried booking almost a year in advance for Holiday Inn in Crawfordsville, they told me I had to wait until 6 months out. Set a calendar reminder and tried booking that morning. No rooms available when I called. Then I called corporate Holiday Inn and talked to someone there. They said they could get me a room but it would be over $1200/night. I think Feld/MX Sports takes some of the hotels over completely for events when rooms near the track are limited. I get it, but it still sucks for fans.
Hoping for information on camping at the venue. Not my preferred choice because I’m going to have to play the game of who can/can’t stay in the motorhome that weekend.
I called Big Cedar on lunch and they said that the rooms are booked likely due to the race. I got put on a waiting list, but I'm not holding my breath. If they manage to get me a room, my stay at the other hotel is fully refundable.
This is kind of a missed opportunity, IMO. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would've paid for an all-inclusive package that included a room.
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I got a VRBO just off the lake for 5 days…. Not crazy expensive at 250 a night.
FWIW, Big Cedar has a very strict pet policy; like none! Not event in your vehicle. Years back I was almost escorted off the property just for have a dog IN my vehicle.
I don’t live that far away but I’ve never been. It’s sort of known as the place where elderly church groups go. Been to the Ozarks many times riding and mountain biking but never to Branson.
It might turn out to be a cool event that people can make a fun trip out of. I wouldn't bet on it, but I'm open to the possibility.
But there's no question these venues are not living up to the initial hype. We have no idea what the financial commitment is from bass pro guy. Just because he's loaded doesn't mean he's breaking the bank for this. Who was he competing with for the title sponsorship and to host this? Another soccer stadium? Do you think Branson is what peacock had in mind when they signed up for smx playoffs and announced it at the coliseum? I do not.
It might be a great weekend for those who attend, but this is not a good sign for the series. Both things can be true.
Nick! You might be able to get a slip at Big Cedar itself, but would still have to shuttle to the venue from there. They used to run shuttles from the docks to the restaurants for sure. It's changed a bit since I've gone there by boat though.
Whats up Gabe??!!!! I assume you will be there? I plan on it as long as we can make it work with my sons football schedule.
I think it's exactly what they wanted - a unique setting with enough room for a hybrid track. I think it will be a very popular destination and will look cool on TV. Adding a non-endemic non-energy drink series partner is a bonus. We'll see . . .
I'd also love to have the Colosseum back in the rotation, I hope that wasn't a one-and-done.
We vacationed there for about six years in a row when I was a kid in the 80s and the traffic was horrible. Can't imagine what it's like these days.
Stayed at Big Cedar Lodge the first year it opened. The only functioning part was the big lodge. All the individual cabins and the marina were still under construction.
Weege shows this place in his recent video, Ive never heard of it before. but holy fuck this place looks like something out of a dream. I dont know how u can call that a drop off. Maybe if they manage to build a shitty track, yes, but we dont know that yet. The venue as a whole with all its other acitivities right there and the astonishing view, combining it with some beers, party and MTB trails. I would legit consider coming over from germany.
Although its not the main topic of the video, weege is at the venue in the beginning part:
Being from Missouri and working in the ozarks regularly I can make a few recommendations
Thunder Ridge is one way in one way out and parking is a LONG way from the venue, be prepared to walk or wait on the shuttle
Local guide recs:
In Branson there’s the Marriott Vacation Club Willow Ridge Lodge, super affordable villas.
There’s endless entertainment in Branson and a couple Mtn bike parks for the pedal crowd. Also check out the alpine/mountain coasters.
Gettin Basted BBQ is true KC style championship level bbq in Branson. At big cedar there’s Top Of The Rock and The Osage, both are tier 1 restaurants, get your res in early.
Honda of ozarks in Springfield and Yamaha of Harrison are the local shops - both have hordes of Fox merch in stock and both are family owned
We’re all excited to welcome the world to the ozarks.
This may be a stupid question, but there are no seats there? That terraced grassy area is where everyone is going to be watching the racing from?
Gotta admit it does look pretty cool.
I actually booked Willow Ridge Lodge. We wanted to stay at Thunder Ridge but there was nothing open from day 1. Willow Ridge looked decent and had positive reviews.
I was passing through last fall and stayed at Hilton8 Promenade Branson Landing. Being right at the mall there was a pretty decent way to go.
I believe so and you can't bring your own chairs either. So I pay as much as for a seat in a stadium but set in the dirt. No telling if it's raining.
Pit Row
I’m going to guess the track will have a section that goes through a bass pro shop and another section that goes through a strip club. It’s the Ozarks, I’d expect nothing less. Wait, instead of the joker lane, make it strip club lane.
Sitting on a grass embankment and or standing the whole time seems like a weird ask for me, no matter how ‘nice’ the facility is.
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