Fast Facts: Daytona Rising

credit: NASCAR Media

Originally opened in 1959, Daytona International Speedway is the long-time home of the Sprint Cup Series’ “Super Bowl,” the Daytona 500. In 2013, the track unveiled a speedway renovation project called “Daytona Rising,” pumping $400 million into the speedway grounds with an emphasis on improving the fan experience. The completed project debuted at the Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 30-31 – here are the Fast Facts on what fans can expect at the track during 2016 Speedweeks.

• “Founding partners” for the project at the 2.5-mile superspeedway are Chevrolet, Florida Hospital, FOX, Sunoco and Toyota.
• The project includes five expanded and redesigned entrances called “injectors,” which will lead visitors to the escalators and elevators which will take them to three concourse levels. These three levels will feature social areas called “neighborhoods” along the frontstretch.
• There are 11 “neighborhoods,” each the size of a football field, which will feature dedicated bars, premium food options and charging stations. Concourse areas will be covered and approximately 90 feet wide, with 1,400-plus video monitors throughout the concourses and free Wi-Fi available. Free Wi-Fi will also be available in the Sprint FANZONE and the Midway area.
• The grandstands will provide seating for 101,500 spectators with wider and more comfortable permanent seats, three times as many restrooms and twice as many concession stands as previously available. There will also be more than 60 luxury suites and revamped hospitality for corporate guests.
• Among the features that were removed from the track as part of the project were the Sprint Tower on the frontstretch and the Budweiser Party Porch on the backstretch.
• Find out more about “Daytona Rising” and the upcoming events at the track at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.