Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/753864
WINTER 2016/2017 DREAMSCAPES 37 Heralded as the first motorsports stadium, the Daytona International Speedway has five fan injectors (or entrances) that stretch for nearly a mile down International Speedway Boulevard. Yes, one mile. In fact, the stadium is so long that architects had to account for seven inches of the Earth's curvature. Think of it as a stadium in which every- thing is all on one side. While the track may be oval, the grandstands are all on the west side of the track as are the injectors, four of which showcase the brands of the injector sponsors—Chevrolet, Sunoco, Florida Hos- pital and Toyota. The fifth injector sits in the centre of it all, beneath the 108-metre-long Daytona International Speedway sign sporting impressive four-metre-high letters. As you enter the stadium, your attention is continuously diverted. The four injector partners went all out to create experiences and wow factors for the fans. Florida Hos- pital welcomes race fans with a waterfall tumbling over boulders, while Sunoco's 26-metre-tall kinetic victory flag made of 83,300 aluminum discs flutters in the wind. Each injector leads patrons to a series of escalators and elevators, guiding them to four concourse levels, all of which sport new football-field-sized "neighbourhoods" offering all sorts of interactive displays meant for visitors to linger, learn and have fun. Have a seat behind the wheel of Chevrolet's latest Camaro or Corvette. Marvel at race cars suspended from the ceiling. Get up close and personal with DAYTONA 500 winning cars from the past. Cool off in a cascading misting wall or vir- tually wave the checkered flag at a big race. As you make your way to your seats, grab a bite at the concession stands or take a break during the race; there is always some- thing that will catch your eye. Above Toyota's injector, we discovered a replica of a Columbia Space Shuttle nose cone. Beyond the injectors, Joie Chitwood, president of Daytona International Speedway, says special attention to ameni- ties is what makes this makeover a success. The powers that be, including Chitwood, listened to their fans. The aforementioned escalators are part of that feedback. "We need to provide for an aging fan base," he says, noting there are also 17 ele- vators, 11 more than before. "They expect vertical transportation. We made this place comfortable. We did not use that word 'comfortable' before. This is our Super Bowl, our flagship. I wanted neighbourhoods where people could hang out. And you can't walk anywhere without seeing a video screen." He's right: There are 1,600 moni- tors, one everywhere you turn. Plus, there is triple the number of con- cession and merchandise stands, and Wi-Fi and cell service was improved considerably. The food and beverage menu was signifi- cantly enhanced. Gone are the days of simple hot dogs and beer. Turkey wrap and a craft cocktail, anyone? Executive chef Michael Pappas was brought aboard to create menus for all con- cession stands and suites. From perfectly cooked beef tenderloin to the flavourful empanada, Pappas has you covered. Still want OPPOSITE TOP: Daytona Beach draws people from around the world. Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau ABOVE: The Toyota Injector is one of four branded entrances to the new Daytona International Speedway. Christi Fritz LEFT: The DAYTONA 500 race begins. Christi Fritz