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IMS improving famous track for 100th running

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is preparing to host the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. The event is scheduled for May 29, 2016, but IMS has already started making improvments to the track to make for an experience race fans will always remember.

Improvement made at IMS include:

  • In all penthouse seats (the entire upper deck of the frontstretch and through Turn 1), benches and folding chairs will be replaced by stadium seats with cupholders.
  • A new roof structure will be built across Paddock Penthouse, A Penthouse and B Penthouse. E Penthouse roof structure will remain unchanged.
  • Sightlines in A and B Penthouse will be further improved by removing the columns and the posts that obstruct the views.
  • With the raised roof, three additional rows of seats will be created at the top of Paddock Penthouse, A Penthouse and B Penthouse.
  • For the first time ever, seating for fans with disabilities will be offered in Paddock Penthouse, A Penthouse and B Penthouse and access to this level will be provided via six new elevators along the back of these stands.
  • Wi-Fi access and upgraded concession stands and food offerings round out the enhanced areas.
  • The new track fence will cover over 500,000 square feet alongside the famous 2.5 mile oval. It will offer better sightlines for fans and will look more physically appealing.
  • A new club experience will be offered at the Hulman level.
  • The Gate 1 entryway will be enhanced to offer fans from across the world an even better year round photo opportunity.

“The 100th running is important for two reasons. One, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate our history. And it’s our history that makes us special. Without our history we’re just another race track. But what’s really important about it is the fact that it’s the beginning of that next century. So we it to really be a springboard. So let’s tie together the past, but at the same time still look forward to the future,” said IMS President Doug Boles.

The total cost of Project 100 is about $90 million.

The improvements are expected to be complete in April 2016.