The third annual Cigar City Concours d'Elegance
We are embarking on our third year of the Cigar City Concours d'Elegance. We held the inaugural event in 2018 on November 11th, at District Park, Starkey Ranch in Odessa, FL. While the venue was a beautiful location and easily accommodated all 300+ show vehicles, it presented a number of logistical challenges that made it unsuitable to consider for the future. At the conclusion of the first annual, I went in search of a more accommodating venue. I contacted, and met with, the management at Tampa Bay Downs thoroughbred racetrack. As a venue for the Cigar City Concours d'Elegance, the racetrack is a much better location and provides significantly enhanced amenities for the participants as well as patrons. The grounds are manicured (the Concours d'Elegance is held on grass, not pavement), the paved parking lot has ample room for show car support vehicles (trailers, etc.) and can hold up to 5,000 patrons’ vehicles. We expanded the event to two days, setting up the Concours field including show vehicles, sponsor and vendor tents, etc. on Saturday.
The Cigar City Concours d'Elegance has been, and continues to be, an invitation only event for participants displaying antique, classic, exotic and special interest vehicles as well as competing in various Judged classes. On Saturday evening we host a "Come as Your Car" (dress in period apparel) Meet & Greet Reception for all participants, sponsors, vendors and judges, in the Club House Restaurant at Tampa Bay Downs with a view overlooking the racetrack and the Concours show field.
The Cigar City Concours d'Elegance is open to the public on Sunday, November 15, 2020. This year we will be offering a discount on tickets purchased on our website (www.CigarCityConcours.com) up to November 1, 2020. After November 1st tickets will be available at the event. Tickets will be available on the website in August for $19.95 each. Ticket price at the event is $25.00. Parking is included. The Concours d'Elegance will open at 10:00am.
We will be expanding our selection of food vendors, offering a greater variety of cuisines and beverages, including wine and beer. The racetrack will also be opened providing rest room facilities. We will have golf cart trams operating all day.
We anticipate another significant showing of vehicles from Museums, private collections, automotive enthusiasts, etc. With several "Special Classes" including Period Correct Hot Rods & Customs, Period Correct Muscle Cars. Survivors as well as "Display Only" vehicles that will include previous Cigar City Concours d'Elegance first place winners and other vehicles of note.