San Diegans have a range of options for getting in on the fun of NASCAR weekend in Coronado, including meet and greets with drivers, watch parties and fan zones.
While the races take place on Naval Base Coronado, and ID and a race ticket will be required for on-base access, not all of these events will be on base. Some will take place at casinos, bars and other businesses.
Base passes of all access levels are currently sold out, but fans can join the waitlist at nascarsandiego.com/base-pass.
Here’s what else to expect for fan activities this weekend.
On base
Fan Zones: For ticket holders, there will be three fan zones throughout the base with live entertainment, food, drinks and other activities. Check the official map at nascarsandiego.com for locations. Fan Zone activities will include autograph sessions, driver Q&As and performances by the Destroyers Navy Southwest Band and the Naval Aviation Alumni Choir. nascarsandiego.com/weekend-schedule
Navy ‘Strike Group’ Mixed-Reality Experience: NASCAR fans who want to get a taste of Navy STEM careers can try out the Navy’s Strike Group experience. It includes a mixed-reality simulations of an aircraft carrier flight deck, Navy SEAL training and life inside a Navy submarine. Noon to 6 p.m. Friday. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday. Ellyson Start/Finish Line Zone. Free.
Off base
NASCAR at the San Diego Zoo: The San Diego Zoo is a partner of 23XI Racing, and will display car No. 45 at the Zoo on Thursday. Fans can see the wildlife pattern up close and take selfies before its driven by Tyler Reddick at this weekend’s races. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego. Zoo admission required. zoo.sandiegozoo.org/nascar-23XI
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. meet and greet: Locals can meet Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who will be racing this weekend in the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet. No ticket is required and no autographs will be permitted. This is an ages 21 and up event. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Lobby Bar, Sycuan Casino Resort, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon. sycuan.com/promotions/meet-and-greet-ricky-stenhouse-jr
Race Day Ready: Fans can meet six-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Austin Dillon at Boot Barn’s Kearny Mesa store Friday. They can also expect live country music, giveaways and an autograph session with Dillon. 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. 4411 Mercury St. Suite 101 A, San Diego. Free. bootbarn.com.
NASCAR Watch Party: In the Gaslamp Quarter, barleymash will host a watch party with special themed cocktails for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race. 4 p.m. Friday. barleymash, 600 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Free entry. barleymash.com
NASCAR Race Day Pre-Party: The Local in Pacific Beach will host an evening of activities to kick off the weekend, including photo opportunities, driver meet and greets, giveaways and other fan experiences. RSVP required. 4 to 9 p.m. Friday. The Local Pacific Beach, 809 Thomas Ave., San Diego. Free. eventbrite.com/e/nascar-san-diego-fan-zone-pre-party-tickets-1991733445351
Race Weekend at The Headquarters: At Seaport Village, The Headquarters will host a weekend of activities for race fans near Coronado. This includes salsa dancing on Friday night and live music Saturday and Sunday. Also on Saturday, visitors can see a display of vintage San Diego Police vehicles. Friday-Sunday. The Headquarters at Seaport, 789 West Harbor Drive, San Diego. Free. sdheadquarters.com/events/race-weekend-at-the-headquarters
KSON NASCAR San Diego Weekend Countryfest: Petco Park will be the scene of a country music festival to celebrate NASCAR weekend. KSON will host the show featuring Carter Faith, Lakelin Lemmings, Stephen Wilson Jr. and Tim Dugger,. 7 p.m. Saturday. Gallagher Square at Petco Park, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego. Tickets start at $27.80. mlb.com/padres/tickets/concerts