Race Day Question: T-Area Arrival?

Pretty much what I thought ... thanks!! 

All the races I've done had open racks, first-come first-served, and I like to set up at the end of a rack near the transition exit. Also, being as obsessive-compulsive as  most other multisport athletes, I just like to be there as early as possible, one of the first in line for check-in and transition set-up so I can check my equipment umpteen times and have plenty of time pre-race to zone out. Or zone in. Or whatever it is I do.

Every tri I have done the rack area has pre-assigned spots based on your bib number.  But the pre-race set up can still be hectic with trying to get your chip and body marks.

 You don't say what time the race starts or what your pre-race routine is.

 If the race doesn't start until, say 8am, I would say you have time for coffee.  No reason to wait around before the race for 2 1/2 hours.  Just gives you more time to get nervous. 

Pre-race meeting is at 6:50am, and I assume the first wave will start at or around 7:00am.  This is my first, so I don't really have a "routine", per se.  I'll stretch early and I'd like to get out in the water a bit, maybe run a little, but not too much warm up ... I prefer to just go.

I'll need the coffee and encouragement more than I'll need a spot up front  

Then that's what you should do. There will be space for you regardless of when you get there. Leave the prime spots for people who need every second they can get. When you're in that position yourself it makes sense to be there when transitions opens - if it's open racking of some sort.

I was thinking the same thing

Best of luck on Sunday