I left the Hickory show feeling the same way. Looks like by now they would have the parking figured out. After a hike from parking, I was hit for 12.00 entry fee in stead of 10.00. Even with the coupon 11.00 is pricy. First few rows were busy and had nice firearms, after that they had spread the tables and had several empty which I’m sure some were at other shows. However saw more knives, clothing and accessories than ever before which brought it down even more. Just left disappointed. Hope to visit Salisbury after church tomorrow👍
I wonder just how much more they think they can charge before people just stop going? I would pay $11.00 but thats it for me and I know a lot of people who stop going when it went up to $10.00. As for parking I contacted the hickory metro center about it when they stated building the new addition and here is the response I got.
Mr. Gun Lover,
Thank you for your email and I will share it with the tourism board as well. I also appreciate your thoughtfulness thinking about how parking would hurt future shows. This is something that is discussed on a regular basis and not ignored.
Currently it may appear that there are no places to park during construction, but there are more than 700 parking spaces within walking distance. There are 352 parking spaces available by the building, in the parking deck and by the marquee. About 350 footsteps away from the convention center front door is yellow lot where there are more than 125 parking places. The blue lot is about 350 footsteps to the east entrance with 110 parking spaces. If needed, about 450 footsteps away from the convention center, our partners at the Piedmont Center and Crowne Plaza will allow guests to park at that location where there are more than 150 spaces available. The convention center is also paying for a shuttle service to assist with customers that would like a ride to the front door during this time of interruption.
Currently, a plan has been approved by the City of Hickory, as well as the tourism board to add 46 on-street parking places along 13th Ave. Dr. SE, which is the road that is between I-40 and the convention center. That is a good investment and one that our board has approved to pay for soon and hopefully it will be complete in the near future. Once the addition is complete, parking has been redesigned for the side of the building that is currently blocked off due to the addition. Yes, some spots are lost but we are also adding parking in other spaces as well as have lots in walking distance. The board is also discussing options for more parking in the near future once the addition and renovation is complete.
We work close with the hotels as well and they do not grumble when people park there for a public show. Almost half, if not more of the events we have, guests are staying in the hotels and walking over, which leaves parking spots open for day guests.
Parking is on the forefront of our brains and thank you for your questions. This link will tell you more about where we are in the construction process as well as you will see the parking map.
https://www.visithickorymetro.com/construction/
If you are coming to the Gun Show this weekend, please let me know and I will ask them to add you to the VIP list, which will comp. your ticket to the show.
Let me know if you have any questions and hope you have a great day!
- Mandy