Not sure what Mecum does. but some auctions where you have to buy a bidders # you get admission for the whole auction or if you buy something you get a portion of it back also. The last time I payed 100 for a bid number I got admission (3 days) for the auction plus a quest (wife) it was almost the same as paying admission for both of us for the three days. It also gave us seats in the bidders area. Also the nearly naked drop dead looking redhead would bring you over priced drinks.