How to get Daytona 500 tickets (even last-minute) and best places to sit

The Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s Super Bowl. It’s a bucket‑list race that sells a ton of tickets early but still sees plenty of last‑minute movement. If you’ve waited until the final stretch to buy, you’re not alone.

So let’s go over what you need to know if you want to buy last-minute tickets to the Daytona 500 and where you should look for seats.

Can I still get good seats if I buy last‑minute Daytona 500 tickets?

Yes, as long as you’re flexible.

For a massive event like the Daytona 500, tickets don’t just vanish months in advance. New listings continue to appear all the way up to race week as season‑ticket holders list extras, fans’ plans change and multi‑day passes or single‑day tickets get reshuffled. The overall picture is constantly shifting, which creates real opportunities for late buyers.

If you’re shopping in the final week or over race weekend, you can still uncover plenty of options, especially in the upper levels along the frontstretch and trioval and in the turns. You may not land the exact dream row or a specific club you’ve had your eye on for months, but if you’re open on section and row there are genuinely good seats to be had even close to race day.

Where last‑minute buyers tend to feel the squeeze is in very specific, premium locations – think certain hospitality clubs or ultra‑central sections that have been picked over by early buyers. If those are non‑negotiable, earlier is better. If your priority is simply being in the building with a strong view of the racing, a late purchase on SeatGeek can still work out extremely well.

Where should I sit at the Daytona 500?

Daytona International Speedway is enormous, and nearly every seat gives you a look at the action. The key is deciding what kind of experience you want and then using SeatGeek’s map to zoom in on the sections that match it.

Frontstretch and trioval grandstands

The frontstretch and trioval grandstands are the classic Daytona 500 experience. From here you can see driver introductions, pace laps, restarts, pit road and the start/finish line. It’s the most TV‑style view in the building and usually where the crowd feels the loudest.

If you want to soak in everything from pre‑race pageantry to the checkered flag, this is a great default choice. Higher rows tend to offer a more panoramic perspective, making it easier to follow the field around the track.

Turn 1

Turn 1 is where the field dives into the first banked corner after the line. From these seats, you watch packs funnel three‑wide or more into the corner, with plenty of side‑by‑side racing and restarts that feel like controlled chaos.

This part of the track is ideal if you care more about pure on‑track action than being directly across from pit road. You’ll still feel very connected to the race, but you see it from a more technical, racing‑centric angle.

Turn 4

Turn 4 sends the cars back onto the frontstretch and toward the finish. It’s where late‑race moves and photo finishes often take shape. A lot of dramatic moments at Daytona happen right as the field comes off this corner and sprints back to the line.

If you want a strong mix of lap‑by‑lap action and end‑of‑race drama, Turn 4 is a smart target. It provides a different perspective than the trioval without feeling disconnected from the main grandstands.

Backstretch

Backstretch seating generally comes in at a lower price point but still delivers a unique look at the race. You’ll see long, fast drafts form and break up as cars slingshot past each other. It’s not as close to the ceremony and pits, but the sensation of watching full‑throttle packs tear down the straight is unforgettable.

For fans who want to keep costs in check while staying inside the stadium, the backstretch can be a very appealing trade‑off.

Premium clubs and hospitality

Daytona’s premium clubs and hospitality areas are all about comfort and amenities. Depending on the package, you might get indoor or covered seating, upgraded food and drink, private restrooms, lounge spaces and dedicated entrances.

These are built for bucket‑list trips, corporate outings or anyone who wants a more relaxed race‑day experience without sacrificing the view. Inventory in these spaces is limited, so they’re the one area where waiting until the last minute is more likely to leave you choosing from fewer options.

Best Daytona 500 seats by fan type

When you’re staring at a huge seating map, it can be hard to know where to start. Matching your seat choice to your fan type makes the decision easier.

First‑time Daytona 500 fan If this is your first Daytona 500, aim for mid‑to‑upper rows along the frontstretch or trioval. You’ll see the start, the finish, pit stops and most of the race in front of you. It’s the most “Daytona 500” feeling you can get in a single seat.

Hardcore racing fan Fans who live for race craft and pack dynamics tend to gravitate toward Turn 1 or Turn 4. Turn 1 gives you big‑moment braking and three‑wide funnels into the corner; Turn 4 delivers late‑race drama and last‑lap moves back to the line.

Budget‑conscious fan If you’re trying to keep the total spend down, look toward the ends of the frontstretch and the backstretch. You may be a bit further from the “TV angle,” but you’re still at the 500 with a clear view of the racing, often for noticeably less money than the most central seats.

Families and comfort‑first groups Families and comfort‑first fans often prefer higher rows on the frontstretch, where sightlines are easier for everyone and getting in and out of the section is more manageable. If the budget allows, an entry‑level club or upgraded section with better concessions and restrooms can make a long race day feel much smoother.

Ticket tips for last‑minute Daytona 500 ticket buyers

Buying late doesn’t have to be stressful if you approach it strategically. A few simple habits inside the SeatGeek app or website can make a big difference in what you end up with:

• Use the map to stay flexible on exact seats. On SeatGeek’s interactive map, start by choosing the side of the track you care about most—trioval, Turn 1, Turn 4 or backstretch—then zoom in and out to see a range of nearby sections and rows. Let the map surface pockets of value instead of locking yourself into a single section and missing better‑priced options a few sections away.

• Lean on Deal Score to spot true values. For an event as big as the Daytona 500 there will always be a few listings priced way above similar seats. Sorting by Deal Score on SeatGeek and comparing prices in neighboring sections helps you quickly weed out overpriced outliers and zero in on tickets that are actually a good deal for their location.

• Filter for mobile or instant delivery and trust the Buyer Guarantee. When you’re this close to race day, use SeatGeek’s filters to show mobile or instant‑delivery tickets first so your seats are ready to scan from your phone. Pair that with extra arrival time at the track and the SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee, and you’ve got both a smooth entry plan and a safety net if something goes wrong.

How to buy Daytona 500 tickets on SeatGeek

SeatGeek is designed to make big events like the Daytona 500 easier to navigate, especially when you’re buying last-minute. Here’s a simple step‑by‑step way to find your seats:

1. Search for the Daytona 500. Go to SeatGeek and search for “Daytona 500.” Select the NASCAR Cup Series race on the correct Sunday date so you’re on the main Daytona 500 event page, not a qualifying or support race.

2. Open the interactive seat map. On the event page, use the interactive map to see all available tickets around Daytona International Speedway. Zoom in and out to get a feel for pricing and inventory in the trioval, Turn 1, Turn 4 and backstretch areas.

3. Set your price and group filters. Use the filters to set your budget and the number of seats you need together. If you know you want four seats and a specific price range, plug that in so SeatGeek only shows options that realistically work for you.

4. Focus on the sections that fit your fan type. Move around the map to target the part of the track that best matches your ideal experience: the frontstretch and trioval for the full spectacle, Turn 1 or Turn 4 for hardcore racing, or more value‑oriented spots on the ends and backstretch.

5. Sort and compare by value, not just price. Sort tickets using SeatGeek’s value tools (like Deal Score) so you’re comparing listings based on both price and seat quality. This makes it easier to spot seats that are underpriced for their view instead of just defaulting to the absolute cheapest option.

6. Click into listings to check the details. When you see a promising option, click into the listing to confirm the section, row, delivery type and any notes from the seller. Make sure the delivery is mobile or instant if you’re buying late, and confirm that the seats are together if you’re attending with a group.

7. Check out with the SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee. Once you’ve picked your seats, go through the SeatGeek checkout flow. Your order is protected by the SeatGeek Buyer Guarantee, which is built to ensure you receive valid tickets in time for the event or are otherwise covered under SeatGeek’s policies.

8. Keep an eye on your email and app. After purchase, watch for confirmation and ticket delivery updates in your email and SeatGeek account. On race week and race day, make sure you’re logged into the correct account on your phone so your tickets are ready to scan when you arrive at Daytona International Speedway.

If you’re ready to lock in your spot, open the Daytona 500 event page on SeatGeek, zoom into the area of the track that matches your ideal experience and let the map and filters guide you the rest of the way.