Iconic museum is making major strides in building out group programming
Few things epitomize cool like the Chevrolet Corvette.
The Corvette not only stands as an emblem of American ethos, it embodies freedom and ingenuity like few other American brands. So much so that this April, Motor Trend magazine readers voted it the quintessential vehicle of the last 75 years.
More than seven decades ago, the inaugural Corvette was unveiled at the 1953 General Motors Motorama in New York City. Since then, it has developed a massive following with Corvette clubs sprouting up across the United States and the world.
“The Corvette is ingrained in America’s fabric. It’s been featured in motion pictures, television and music for decades,” said Paul Crafton, group sales and services coordinator for the National Corvette Museum. “Corvette owners and fans represent a large and dedicated global community.”
The 115,000-square-foot museum showcases more than 60 Corvettes, representing all of the eight generations of this iconic car with interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia.
A celebration of speed
There are currently three integral parts to this American sports car campus. The 1,700,000-square foot General Motors plant, where the famous auto has been produced since 1981; the National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park, which is situated on 419 acres and features a variety of driving experiences and thrills in Corvettes, Camaros or racing karts, all on a $20 million dual track complex; and the National Corvette Museum. This is the crown jewel of the campus. The 115,000-square-foot museum showcases more than 60 Corvettes, representing all of the eight generations of this iconic car with interactive exhibits and rare memorabilia. The NCM also offers an upscale restaurant, The Stingray Grill, an upscale shopping experience at The Corvette Store and an indoor racing experience in new Corvette Simulators.
This iconic museum is a celebration of innovation, speed and the enduring appeal of the Corvette.
Expanding group programming at the Corvette Museum
“We pride ourselves on being tour group friendly at the National Corvette Museum,” Crafton said. “We offer an attractive group discount for groups of 15 or more. For full-sized tour groups arriving by motor coach, the escort and driver experience is complementary and motor coach parking is close by the main entrance.”
The museum can be enjoyed with a self-guided or professionally guided experience. Box lunches or a catered lunch experience are available upon request.
“Our newest attraction at the National Corvette Museum is a pair of new Corvettes, a C7 model and a C8 that have both undergone an electronic conversion resulting in an indoor virtual reality racing experience,” said Crafton. “We knew these would be a hit with corporate and student groups, but I was surprised how popular they are with my senior tour group crowd. It’s great watching them have so much fun.”
After-hours VIP program
While most museums close their doors at 5 p.m., NCM has a new product for the tour group crowd that’s proven popular. The Victory Lane Dinner Package includes an evening meet and greet, VIP museum tour, elegant four-course dinner, live entertainment and dancing and a Corvette logoed gift for each guest.
“Our Victory Lane Dinner” is truly special,” Crafton said. “The group arrives around 6 p.m. and they have the entire museum completely to themselves. We make them feel like royalty.”
Holidays and Horsepower (November 29-December 22)
Imagine experiencing a tour through the NCM while it’s beautifully embellished for the holiday season. Then take a seat and enjoy festive holiday entertainment and a decadent luncheon.
“I have to brag on NCM when it comes to celebrating the holiday season,” Crafton said. “We’re the perfect stop for a tour group heading for Nashville or Louisville, both of which are roughly an hour away. This is a popular time to visit and with good reason.”
An industry veteran joins the museum
In the summer of 2023, the museum hired Crafton to assist in new package development and to increase sales.
His background includes a 16-year run with the Opryland Hotel and Attractions Group in Nashville, followed by four years at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville and almost a decade in West Virginia and Virginia at the Homestead Resort and the Greenbrier Resort. At each property, he found success with year-round holiday packages.
“I’ve been in the resort hotel and attractions business for almost 30 years,” Crafton said. “My main focus has always been on the group tour market and making sure my product always exceeded my tour customers’ expectations.
“I’m a lucky guy because I’ve been passionate about vintage automobiles since I was a kid. Now, to be able to combine my tourism career with a favorite hobby makes for a perfect fit. I’m very blessed and proud to be a part of the excitement happening here at NCM.”
For more information on the National Corvette Museum attractions and packages, contact Paul at 270-777-4550 or paul.crafton@corvettemuseum.org.
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All photos courtesy of the National Corvette Museum
