My family an I have went to Mn SX for the last two years. We stayed at motels right downtown and then walk to the dome. It is easier than trying to find your way around on the 1 way streets. We go in at 12 noon and watch all of the practices. No pit access is a bad deal, but thats the way it is. You do get to walk around the big rigs outside and see some big name riders as they come and go to there practice rides. Instead of pit access, they set up 4 spots to get in line for autographs. You never know which line you are in until the last minute, so it is just luck if you are wanting a certain brand of bike. We split up and got Honda and Suzuki two years ago and then last year we ended up in the Yamaha and Kawasaki limes. We have so many signed posters now. But you do have to be in that line about an hour before they start signing the autographs or you will be at the end of the line. Another way to see pro riders is at Bob's Cycle Supply. It is a fun place to go, but gets very crowded. Call them to see who will be there. Also, last year we went to the Mall of America on friday afternoon and the Suzuki boys were there to sign autographs. We got in line about an hour and a half early and we were about 5th in line. Travis Pastrana is the only rider I care to see now. He had the best attitude out of all the riders we have met. Some are really distant, which I understand, when you think about what they are really there for. Let me know if you want an idea of where to stay and I will give you some more info. Just email me for it. And I have only bought tickets through online Ticketmaster, but they do have a will call window if you want to just pick up the tickets when you get there.