Friday, February 8, 2013

Sheamus, Fletcher Headline DC Auto Show

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus

It was a star-studded night at the Washington Auto Show as the Washington Convention Center played host to not one, but two celebrity guests... WWE superstar Sheamus and Redskins Pro Bowl LB London Fletcher. Both were on hand to sign autographs and take pictures with fans... Long lines formed early, providing quite a buzz on the downstairs level.

You could even argue, the excitement surrounding Sheamus and Fletcher upstaged the cars Thursday night. Taking nothing away from the main attraction; but there was a noticeable lack of energy throughout the Convention Center... something I'm sure can be attributed to the time (late weekday afternoon.) Eating options were slim, outside of two main dining areas (even Starbucks shut their doors at 6.) Make a point to plan your schedule around the food court if you want to dine in.

Redskins Pro Bowl LB London Fletcher

As for cars, more than 700 were on display (with a good many more than last year, available to sit inside.) Nothing's worse than seeing a car you like, trying the door and finding it locked. I actually saw one with a sign on it reading "locked for your protection." I was able to slip inside quite a few this year, and liked what I saw. It was from a distance only, but I was blown away by the Audi R8 (see below) and my nostalgic side lit up when I saw an '86 Porsche 944 (complete with car phone.) Speaking of Porsche, where were they? My favorite automaker was conspicuously absent.

Audi's $100K+ R8 on display

This year's show continues through Sunday, February 10th (tickets are available online or at the Convention Center ticket booths.) Adults get in for $12, kids 6 to 12 for $5 while kids 5 & younger, get in for free. As always, discounts are available for military, seniors and students (click here for details.) Olympic Gold Medalist Gabrielle Douglas appears tonight from 5-7, and Redskins WR Pierre Garçon checks in tomorrow afternoon (1-3 PM.)