Here we go again, after my disappointment experience with SEMA FEST last year (The one that's…read morereally a concert), it was a no brainer to skip that entirely.
For 2025, I've only purchased SEMA Show Friday only, I've grabbed it early knowing they'll jack up the price later (And they did by 40-50 bucks). It was still $99 + $17.15 taxes, total was $116.15.
For this year's review, I'm going to provide some tips hopefully will help others when they attend next year.
Getting there on Friday. Obviously you can Uber/Lyft but that'll cost you not to mention you're sitting in heavy traffic. And I'm sure there will be a bit of a wait when you do leave the show with 10,000 other folks.
Driving there: This is not a bad option provided you can find parking. Note parking nearby is at least $30. Renaissance hotel wanted $80. Can't blame them they do have a prime spot. Personally I've parked here but I usually stay at the hotel and guest parking is $20.
Cheapest option: Would you believe you can drive, park for free, and get to the show for $2 (round trip)? Yes, it's true! But only if you're a local NV residents. Drive and park your vehicle for free at SAHARA. Go up to the Monorail booth, show your NV ID and buy (2) tickets at $1 each. The monorail will take you straight to the Las Vegas Convention Center (Boingo Station) and you'll be right near South Hall. As a side note, you cannot get $1 tickets from Boingo Station (there's no booth) Another reason why you need to get (2) tickets at SAHARA for your return trip. You're also limited to just (2) tickets PER day.
Now that you're at the event, you'll need to get your badge, there's (2) spots, either West Hall or South Hall. And I have bad news for you if you're just getting off the monorail or parked at or near Renaissance hotel.. this will be a bit of a hike. Why do they do this? Crowd control. It makes more sense to put the registration/pickup near LVCC Vegas Loop stations.
Anyway, you can either make your way to the Central LVCC Vegas Loop and take it to South station or if you're like me, just start walking towards the end of South Hall (Check my photo for the exact location, I've marked it in Yellow circles)
And before I forget, I wanted to point out for those that don't want to pay for Friday experience but still want some experience of the show, I have news for you, you can check out SEMA Show for FREE!! (See my photos for which outside area) Basically Nitro Circus outside of North/Central, Hoonigan outside of South Hall, Optima Unleashed (they have drift here) next to Renaissance hotel/South Hall, and Atrium next to West Hall (near LVCC West station), they also do drifting here.
There's no staff to check badges, etc so anyone are free to walk through the show (outside) And yes you can still get FREE stuff (there may be a few exhibitors that require to scan your badge but most don't care) How do I know this? My coworker didn't buy a ticket and he was able to get hats, shirts, etc. But he was limited to outside obviously. (I'm sure if they're reading this they might change it next year)
As for the SEMA Show, there's just so many things to see and yes it's possible to hit up ALL the halls and outside sections. I did with time to spare. South Hall Upper and Lower levels. Central Hall (this one is HUGE), North and new this year is International Pavilion hosted in Westgate, and last but not least is West Hall.
If you're limited on time, I would skip International Pavilion. The rest are definitely must see! Note drifting are done either at Optima Unleashed next to South Hall or Atrium next to West Hall.
As the SEMA Show winds down (closes at 4pm) with the parade starts almost immediately, things get a bit chaotic around this time and a bit unorganized in my opinion. I was trying to walk to West Hall side to meet someone but the only way thru was block by a staff member with (no pedestrian access) gate which didn't make any sense as that's the ONLY outside path (at the time) between the halls. With the parade going on you're not allowed to walk where the vehicles are trying to exit. Anyway, long story short that staff member eventually was told to open the path and people were finally able to get around.
After 4pm you have (2) choices as the show is NOT over. Either stick around and watch the vehicles roll out (parade style) or head over and catch a glimpse of SEMA Fest (concert and drift)
While obviously the parade is FREE to watch since it's outside. Believe it or not SEMA Fest is also FREE to watch (from a distance of course)
I've decided to do a bit of both and watched the parade then headed toward my super duper secret watch spot. I've mentioned this last year it's the same spot. On top of Renaissance self-parking (6th floor) As a side note, I've noticed they've added police on the roof for extra security.
Wrapping up as I've reached my limit, till next year!