Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood outlined
the specifics today of a previously announced renovation of the legendary
Florida Superspeedway.
Chitwood outlined a multi-million dollar project that
will include a new front facade for the speedway, increased fan comfort, wider
seats with chair backs and arm rests, better sight lines, more numerous restroom
facilities and improved access via elevators, escalators and staircases. Plans
call for 11 new concourses along Daytona’s backstretch, complete with
state-of-the-art fan amenities and displays outlining the track’s history.
Chitwood said he hopes to receive approval from the track’s parent company, International
Speedway Corporation, to begin construction in late 2013.
"We're giving this a professional stadium feel,
something that makes people want to pull off the side of the road and take a
picture,’’ said Chitwood today. "This is all about the fans. And what
we’re talking about is massive.’’
The main entrance of the speedway will include an
open-air concourse overlooking the track, and each concourse will feature concession
stands, souvenir and merchandise retailers and restaurants.
"This is where we show the uniqueness of Daytona,
this is who we are,’’ said Chitwood of the main concourse. “As you come here,
this will be where you see Daytona for the first time, this is where you (realize)
that you are on hallowed ground.
"The name Daytona means something and this is where
we re-impress on everyone what Daytona means to our sport."
The new project will not impact the 2014 Daytona 500,
with work scheduled around the speedway’s annual GRAND AM, NASCAR and AMA
Motorcycle events.
“Whatever we do, the Daytona 500 will absolutely continue
to maintain its role as the first event of the NASCAR season,’’ he said.
I'm always excited to hear what different tracks are doing to become more fan interactive and what is being done to promote the whole "nascar experience". However, in the case of Daytona, I can only imagine how capital improvements such as these will effect the overall costs of attending an event like this.
ReplyDeleteI have been fortunate enough to visit multiple tracks and see many different races- often spending up to a week at certain locations. I have attended both the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400- both very enjoyable races. However, I can say with much certainty, that attending the races at Daytona have been the most expensive races I have attended to date.
Granted, I live in NY State and that presents some hurdles when considering travel. Setting these issues aside while sticking to a very modest food/entertainment budget- the costs of lodging, parking, and attending each race at Daytona over the extended weekends are crazy. I have attended many other NASCAR tracks for less than half the cost of attending the 500- and had the same great time.
Growing up, I was always told if you go to Daytona once- you will want to go every year. Unfortunately for me, for the amount of money it takes to watch a race at Daytona- I choose to spend my money on a track I haven't been to yet.
Hearing about all these fancy improvements is great- but all I see is how much more money it will cost to attend this race so that they can get a return on investment. All NASCAR tracks should make a modest effort to cater to the average fan's budget- not trying to wring out the remaining dollars in their wallets.
Sincerely,
Kurt- A NASCAR Fan
Hey Godfather, why haven't I read anything on your blog about Indy's proposed renovation?
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