Next round of MIS Capital Improvement Projects approved
With the additional spending, MIS will have spent approximately $20 million total on improvements for fans since 2006.
Projects scheduled for completion before the 2009 season will include “phase 3" of the improved grandstand seating in Turn 1, continued installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property and a new state-of-the-art sound system. All projects are a direct result of fan feedback and a progressive effort from the speedway to make the race experience better for its fans.
“These projects are a continuation of what we’ve been trying to accomplish over the past three years, and that’s to give our fans the best experience possible when they visit with us each summer," MIS President Roger Curtis said. “We are proud that we have been able to spend $20 million since 2006 to better enhance that experience. Fans choose to spend their vacation dollars with us every year, so it only makes sense to invest back into the facility to make it better for them."
Phase 3 of the Turn 1 grandstand project is already under way with three more of the old silver grandstands currently being torn down by construction crews and MIS personnel. Similar to the previous two years, the old grandstands will be replaced with new grandstands, which have wider seats, seatbacks and more leg room. The overall project began in 2006 and does not add seats, but merely replaces old ones.
“My family and I have had tickets in Turn 1 for a few years so we’ve experienced sitting in both the old and the new grandstands," Karen DeLand of Marshall, Mich., said. “The new stands are a huge improvement over the old ones. Not only is the view of the track better, but the wider, more spacious seating definitely improves the level of comfort while watching the race. We are very happy with the new grandstands and with MIS for recognizing the need for change."
Phase 2 of the installation of way-finding signage around the MIS property will also begin in the fall. Prior to the 2008 season, phase 1 signage was installed throughout MIS. The branded signage was an immediate success by helping pedestrians, motorists and campers find their way in, out and around the 1,400-acre racetrack property. Phase 2 signage will be constructed in the Motorsports Fan Plaza, on the backs of the grandstands and around main entrances to the track.
Additionally, a new state-of-the-art public address system will be installed around the track. The project will replace the old trackside PA system and add speakers under the grandstands, at the ticket gates and throughout the Motorsports Fan Plaza. The new PA system will replace one that is 40 years old. ICOMM, based in Wixom, Mich., has handled all audio and video issues at the track since 1980.
“A great deal of the current PA equipment dates back to the first race in 1968," branch manager from ICOMM Joe Osypczuk said. “I was around for the original installation of the system back then and most parts of it need to be updated after 40 years of use. It’s great to hear that MIS is investing money into a new system. ICOMM is happy to join the bidding process for this project."
MIS will continue to use and consider Michigan-based companies in all of its capital improvement projects this off season. A vast majority of the $20 million spent since 2006 has been with Michigan-based contractors.
“We’ve had a great relationship with MIS over the years and we hope to continue that in the future," Osypczuk said.
Deposits for the 2009 season are being accepted until Friday, Jan. 2 by calling the MIS ticket office. Deposits can be redeemed on Jan. 19 and 20. Placing a deposit allows customers to purchase tickets and camping after the renewal process but before they go on sale to the public.
Tickets and camping will go on sale to the general public beginning on Saturday, Feb. 15 during the season-opening Daytona 500. For additional information, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010.
Michigan International Speedway – 2009 Schedule
Friday, June 12 ARCA RE/MAX Series Racing for Wildlife 200
Saturday, June 13 NASCAR Truck Series
Sunday, June 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400
Friday, Aug. 14 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Practice & Qualifying
Saturday, Aug. 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series
Sunday, Aug. 16 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series