ISM Raceway welcomes fans to plenty of upgrades
NASCAR fans won’t be able to camp out in the middle of metro Phoenix’s racetrack anymore, but they will be able to drink beer and get up close in the garage with drivers, thanks to a multmillion-dollar makeover.
The $178 million renovations have been two years in the making. The infield camping, at the center of the track, was replaced with interactive garages, concessions and standing room space at Gatorade Victory Lane, where the winning driver celebrates.
This is opening weekend. Here are all the upgrades you can expect.
Track upgrades
The track upgrades are so major that some will be visible from space. Literally.
They include:
❚ The start/finish line moved between Turn Two and the following bend.
❚ Near the new start/finish line is an O’Reilly Auto Parts logo that’s longer than a football field and visible from outer space.
❚ A giant, light-up saguaro will take the place of a flag and turn white, green, yellow and red.
O’Reilly will also host a pre-race party on Sunday. Fans who buy infield tickets for it will have the chance to sign the new start/finish line.
Infield upgrades
The biggest changes are in the track’s infield, at the center of the track. Fans can’t camp with recreational vehicles there anymore, but anyone with an infield ticket will be able to get up close to the drivers.
Infield upgrades, many with sponsorships in true NASCAR style, include:
❚ Interactive garages where fans can get face-toface with drivers and crews working on their cars.
❚ Standing room at Gatorade Victory Lane, where fans can celebrate near the winning driver.
❚ Three suites with a variety of VIP experiences.
❚ Miller Lite Beer Garden. ❚ Portacool Chill Zone with portable coolers.
❚ Modern Margarita Tequila Bar, which will sell beer, wine, frozen margaritas and other cocktails.
Seating upgrades
The grandstand received a big upgrade, from cupholders to Wi-Fi. All the old seats were refashioned into a mosaic-style facade on the outside of the raceway.
Seating upgrades include:
❚ Wi-Fi connectivity.
❚ All grandstand seats will have armrests and cupholders.
❚ New pedestrian tunnel from seats to infield.
❚ 51 new suites that can fit 18 to 48 guests.
❚ Four new escalators and nine new elevators.
Other upgrades
Fans who buy tickets to the Wheelhouse/ROLLBAR will get access to pre-race games; complimentary beer, wine and soda; raffles and driver appearances. Nextdoor, the Trackside Bar and Grill will feature live music.
The outside got a facelift, too, with a new Midway — dubbed the DC Solar Power Pavillion — that spans a half mile and features concessions, giveaways and live entertainment.
What to know before you go
Opening weekend is tickets for each day are:
❚ Today: Whelen Trusted To Preform 200. Race starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets run from $35 to $60 for adults and $10 for children under 17.
❚ Sunday: Can-Am 500. Race starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets run from $40 to $147 for adults and $20 for children under 17.
Fans can also opt for a two-race package, covering today and Sunday, which runs from $67 to $195 for adults and $30 for children under 17, depending on where the seats are. this weekend. Races and