Thanks to my job I was able to attend last year. My coworker/friend, went on the Thursday. We were at Luke AFB developing future courses for the 607 ACS to instruct at their ground radar school. We planned on being at work all day and going to BJ around 4PM. With the Mopar Gods smiling, our Commander came for a visit - the 607th leadership asked us to leave so they could do final preparations. We were at BJ around 10AM. What a day!
For first timers, following the signs to park places you in a dessert field with free bus transportation to the event. Try to remember where you parked - lessons learned there. Admission was very reasonable (I don't remember actual cost). We both purchased the catalog, I think it was $15, well worth it.
You enter into the automobilia tent area which is huge. We did the tent thing and then found the covered area with the "Saturday's Car." I used our two Kodak one-time cameras on the Mopars. Unfortunately, all the pics came out too dark to post. The cars were awesome, and behind a rope so they won't be touched.
Outside, there's several open air tents with "normal" cars. Back on the hill, finally, beer. Oh, and other vendors and the Fast Lap (where you take a lap with a driver as the car goes fast around a curver track).
In the actual auction hall, as seen on TV, is rather loud and hot. It was actually nicer sitting outside with a beer and watching the big screen TV where you can hear the commentary like at home.
We left around 8PM - my feet couldn't take anymore. I tried convince my boss that we needed to go back to the 607th and do more training requirements research. Even though he's a car guy, we just couldn't justify.
Bottom line: If you have the opportunity do it.
BTW - Starting Tuesday, My TV will be on Speed Channel