Caution – MATS construction ahead

Even though massive construction will be taking place, the Mid-America Trucking Show will go on

By Land Line staff

Veteran Mid-America Trucking Show attendees rarely grab a map to find their way around the massive Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. They know right where they are going.
Not so this year.

An enormous construction project on the East Wing of the Exposition Center left a lot of exhibitors homeless for a bit – until things were rearranged.

Exhibitors will be housed in Broadbent Arena, East Hall, South Wings A, B and C, West Hall, West Wing and Pavilion. Space was expanded so there will even be booths where none have been in the past.

Nevertheless, the Mid-America Trucking Show will still be more than 800,000 square feet of indoor exhibits with another 200,000 feet of outside exhibits.

And, speaking of outside, the Paul K. Young Memorial Truck Beauty Competition will be moved as well. Traditionally outside the East Wing, this year the Stars & Stripes Event is scheduled to be outside the West Wing.

Attendees of the 2007 Mid-America Trucking Show need to prepare to walk around construction cones and tape, and be sure to keep a map handy. You’re going to need it.

How much are tickets?
Nothing, if you handle things right. Online pre-registration at truckingshow.com continues until March 8. But, if you registered online after Feb. 21, remember to print out your registration page and take it to the show for the complimentary admission.

Or, there’s a full-page ad in this issue of Land Line on Page 21. Tear it out and use it for free admission, but you’ll still have to wait in line to get your badge made up.

If you don’t pre-register and don’t have a coupon, it will cost you $5 to get into the show.

What are the show hours?
The event kicks off with VIP show hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, March 22. The show officially opens to the public at 1 p.m. Thursday. On Friday, March 23, the show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, it’s an all-day event running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What’s there to do after the show?
The short answer is, plenty.

You can head downtown to Fourth Street Live! This is Louisville’s $70 million entertainment district, which has revitalized downtown, adding a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues with the likes of Hard Rock Café, Sully’s Restaurant and Saloon, Saddle Ridge, The Pub, Lucky Strike, and the one and only Maker’s Mark Bourbon House and Lounge.

Boxing fans may be excited to know the Muhammad Ali Center is officially open.

The Ali Center’s two-and-a half levels of exhibits feature an innovative and immersive visitor experience through which you can learn about Muhammad Ali.

And, come on, it’s Louisville, so if you have the time, swing by Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, or tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.

For overnight truck parking, stop by the Lot L office to pay the necessary fees and receive your
parking assignment. You will then be redirected to Lot K or G. Lot K can accommodate overnight
truck parking, but there are no hook-ups.

The fee in Lot K is $25 per night, reservations are neither required nor accepted.

Lot L is for RV parking with hook-ups available. Lot L costs $45 per night and reservations are required. Call (502) 367-5384 for reservations in Lot L.

Additional truck parking is available at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium. Free shuttles will be available to take attendees to and from the show.

Where and how do I get free tickets to the Big & Rich concert?
The concert is free for commercial drivers and sponsored by Kenworth. Complimentary concert tickets will be available to CDL holders only – limit of two tickets per person.

Tickets, while supplies last, will be distributed in the South Hall Lobby at Booth No. 2 starting at 10 a.m. on both Thursday, March 22, and Friday, March 23.

If I need a motel, can I get one at the last minute?
The nearest hotels, motels and even bed and breakfasts are usually booked up six months in advance. Many experienced attendees make their reservations for the next year’s show when they check out.

If you don’t have reservations by the time you read this, you may have to stay an hour or so away. If you plan to return in 2008, stop in at an area motel this year to secure next year’s room.
For help making reservations, visit the online reservations center at truckingshow.com or call
1-800-743-3100 or (502) 561-3100 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Reservations can be modified or cancelled by calling the same number. To make reservations for five or more rooms, call Maria Martin at (502) 560-0003.

I still want to know more.
That’s easy. For up-to-the-minute news and information about the 2007 Mid-America Trucking Show, call (502) 899-3892 or go to truckingshow.com.