Chevy’s Only! Dino’s Git Down Continues to Grow at New Location
It was only a few short years ago (2017 to be exact) that Dino Battilana was holding his annual Dino’s Git Down at his downtown Phoenix appliance shop. Sure, the trucks were just as cool back then as they are now. But for anyone that ever had the pleasure of attending his Git Downs back then remembers that there was never enough room for the trucks that showed up, let alone parking if you just wanted to swing by and check it out. Simply put, it was overgrown before it even got started.
Through the years the Git Down moved to more spacious locations providing Dino with ample space for trucks, vendors and spectator parking all while providing this Chevy-only truck show free to participants and the public alike. You read that correctly. Even today there is absolutely zero entry fee to attend. Just roll in and park your truck. The only fee associated with Dino’s Git Down is for a vendor spot, and there is no shortage of vendors being conveniently held the weekend following the SEMA Show. This year there was over 140 vendors were set up and showin’ off some of the latest parts and pieces in the aftermarket truck scene, plus more.
The 2022 Git Down found a new home at one of the many Arizona Cardinals football stadium parking lots. Granted it’s at the same Westgate Entertainment District as last year (just in a different area), but in 2021 it was closer to all the shops and restaurants which made parking more difficult and was more spread out. With the 2022 event held at the stadium, it offered the GM truck community to be closer together than in years past.
If you wanted to check out the vendor area, you could do so effortlessly as all the vendors were located strategically in one area. Looking for a chassis? Well, all the vendors that offer chassis were located down the same row. Think of it as going to your local grocery store where all the cereal is located down the same aisle. That’s how Dino’s vendor area was set up, which made it simple and easy to navigate.
Another advantage of moving the show over to the stadium area was the tailgating section. A huge grassy knoll presented you with the opportunity to set up your E-Z Up if you were so inclined. This area also allowed you to pull out your grill and start slinging some tacos, burgers, or hot dogs for you and your crew. This was a great addition to the show. The large grass area was also great for the kids to blow off some steam when they got tired of dad dragging them through row after row of trucks. Dogs said they enjoyed the grass as well.
If you forgot your E-Z Up, no worries. There was a restaurant on the premises with plenty of outdoor seating available as the brand new BetMGM Sportsbook facility featuring a 265 square foot video wall and over 35 high-definition televisions along with food options. If that didn’t perk your interest, you could walk over to the entertainment district where there are another 33 restaurants to choose from, plus more entertainment options.
These were all great improvements to an already incredible event, but the stars of the Dino’s Git Down are the GM trucks. We heard nearly 5,000 trucks made their way to Arizona to enjoy the amazing weather and the people that share this bond over the Chevy bowtie. People from not only from all over North America but Canada, Mexico and even Europe made their way out to the desert for a weekend filled with C10s, Blazers, 3100s, S10s, K10s Jimmys, Tri-Fives, Suburbans, new (up to ‘98), old, lifted, bagged, static, etc…you name it and it was most likely there if it had a Bowtie or GMC badge.
Not to be outdone, on Saturday Dino opens the Git Down to include all GM Cars and Trucks of all years – we’re talking Camaro’s, Impala’s, Corvette’s, Nova’s, Caddy’s, and more. So if you think walking the grounds looking at over 5,000+ trucks didn’t grab your attention, try adding about a thousand more vehicles on Saturday to your plate. If you’re bummed you missed out on this year’s event don’t be, because there are already plans for the 2023 event in the works. Without a doubt, Dino’s Git Down is a must-attend event regardless if you’re a die-hard C10, or GM, fan or not.
Photos by Terry Lysak
