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Project Preview: $178 million makeover for Phoenix International Raceway

TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit has become the world’s largest gathering of project delegations involved in the design, construction, refurbishment and management of major sports venues.

With more than €10.5bn worth of construction already confirmed in attendance on 28-29 Nov in Barcelona, we present insight into some of the projects showcasing at the meeting.

Executive Vice President of Design & Development for International Speedway Corp, Derek Muldowney, will join the 2017 speaker line up to update on Phoenix Raceway’s $178 million makeover, after construction began a few months ago.

Back in May, Racer reported that the first piece of steel installed – as part of a special ceremony for the project – featured a special message “Best Wishes from Daytona,” signifying a symbolic passing of the torch from Phoenix Raceway’s partner facility Daytona International Speedway, which also recently completed a significant redevelopment project – DAYTONA Rising.

azcentral reported on the features of the makeover to enhance the fan experience at the Avondale racetrack. Most notably:

  • The start and finish line will be moved to what is now Turns 1 and 2 and will be right in front of new grandstands.
  • The new infield promises an up-close experience to the racers, their cars and teams. It will feature a Fan Zone equipped with five new garages and opportunities for up-close watching of the drivers as they work on their cars prior to the race.
  • Fans will be able to watch drivers enter the pre-race drivers’ meeting at “The Pits,” dubbed by PIR as “amazing garage access sites.” Fans can watch the meeting through a glass wall.
  • Current seating at the Bobby Allison Grandstand, located between Turns 1 and 2, is entirely benches. That will be replaced with individual 20-inch seats with armrests. Plus, a grandstand extension to the east will have a combination of 20- and 21-inch seats with armrests.
  • Grandstand seating capacity will be 45,000, down from the current 50,000.
  • The number of elevators at the new grandstands will be doubled to 10, in addition to new souvenir areas, bathrooms and restrooms.
  • The facility’s 32 suites will be upgraded, and 19 more added.
  • The old grandstands will be demolished. For decades, fans in this section got a generous share of sun and glare, especially at sunset.
  • The new grandstands will face northeast, and the sun will set behind race watchers’ backs.

More details can be found on azcentral’s website here.

At TheStadiumBusiness Design & Development Summit, Derek will update an audience of senior figures on the project on 28-29 November, Barcelona. Registrations is open to join the Summit here.

Meet Derek (alongside 50+ stadium projects) at the Summit, 28-29 Nov, Barcelona. Register your place here.

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