We’ve been attending this event as spectators for several years now which is where we’ve gained our knowledge on successfully doing so. First be prepared to walk….. a lot. Nothing is close and parking is a nightmare. That is why we pick a hotel within SAFE walking distance to the Expo. Hotel shuttles are available but depending where it is and time of day has to navigate the same car traffic. The true show people use rented golf carts to get in and out . Second, though “general” tickets are relatively inexpensive, you do need to have another ticket to get into the Fair. (One for viewing am show the other for the pm) We purchase our tickets ahead of time but do then have the Ticketmaster fee… so each ticket could cost about $30 for attending both shows each day. Tickets are available for the week that includes a limited amount of state fair admission passes (available through horse show office).. but that is also pricey but guarantees you reserved seats. In terms of lower level seating…. Been told those are a lot more difficult to come by for the average spectator. They’re reserved for the horse show/corporate elite … still learning about obtaining those tickets. Also admission is “free” to the morning show (excluding the Stare Fair ticket 😳) but seating is basically open on the upper levels (take your chances where you sit, especially rows A&B — the red seats, because those seats could’ve been purchased but you won’t know that until you’re told you’re sitting in “my seats” when the ticket holder gets there.)
I agree that healthy food options are very limited. The Saddlebred Cafe in the North wing used to have a very good lunch and dinner buffet, but the prices are rather pricey for the limited menu. Also we did notice no food vendors on Upper level either. Thank goodness for DoorDash. Finally, unless you’re affiliated with a barn, access to the horses in the North Wing is restricted without a pass.
Hope that helps for next time. It is a nice way to see how the other half lives, get dressed up & be part of that other world!