Best ways to stay sun smart
Cara Jenkin
02 Dec 2022
The weather has turned it on for the VALO Adelaide 500 with blue skies, sunshine and temperatures in the low to mid 30Cs being experienced across the four days of the event.
But that means race fans need to stay sun smart – thankfully, there are many ways they can do so across the circuit.
SEEK SHADE
The event’s location in the parklands means there are plenty of trees for spectators to seek shade under throughout the day.
The Family Zone and adjacent general admission track viewing areas outside and inside of Turn 9 and 10 provide some of the best canopy in the precinct for shade, while the staircase area around Turns 3, 4 and 5 also is a good option.
Man-made shade also is plentiful, such as the new shade structure that has been erected at Concert Green, and shade sails and umbrellas at trackside locations such as the end of pit straight, in the Activation Zone, the new Trackside precinct, and the new VALO Corner Bar precinct at Turn 11.
Meanwhile, the Heritage Grandstand has fabulous views across the Boost Mobile Freestyle BMX Invitational and Airtime FMX stunt shows and also is a good place to sit and eat some lunch or drink a slushie out of the sun.
SLOP ON SUNSCREEN
All spectators are encouraged to slop on sunscreen before they leave home to ensure they are covered from the minute they arrive at the event.
But if you forgot to pack the bottle or ran out of sunscreen during the event, Cancer Council SA has a tent located between the Heritage Grandstand and the Family Zone where free sunscreen is available to keep yourself protected. They also can provide other advice on how to beat the heat and stay sun safe.
SLAP ON A HAT
There is no better time to buy yourself a hat than at the VALO Adelaide 500. Showcase your team’s colours, or buy an event broad-rimmed hat from an official merchandise stand.
Being the end of the season, many merchandise sellers have discounted products, making it even easier to protect yourself from the sun.
SLIDE ON SUNNIES
Vendors also have you covered if you left your sunnies in the car, with several selling polarised sunglasses that offer great sun protection.
SWIG ON WATER
Plastic beverage bottles with the manufacturer’s seal intact can be brought into the circuit, and if they have been frozen at home, will provide a cool drink as the ice melts all day long.
Free water to top up bottles is available at several locations around the circuit including Rymill Park and behind the Pit Straight Grandstand near the Holden Car Display.
SA Water’s Miss Isla caravan has reusable water bottles available as well as free fruit-infused water for when the taste of the basic stuff gets a little bland.
For every water bottle sold, $5 is donated to the VALO Adelaide 500’s official charity, Variety SA.
SUPPORT SERVICES
If you do find yourself in need of medical or health assistance, St John First Aid volunteers are there to help at the Concert Oval precinct near Brock Straight, Concert Green and between the Heritage Grandstand and the Family Zone.
Parents Rooms also have been set up at Concert Green and between the Heritage Grandstand and Family Zone.
To read more about what you can see and do at the 2022 VALO Adelaide 500, see our event blog.