Michigan International Speedway has announced several enhancements for its fans -- and at the same time, it may have significantly reduced its seating capacity.
According to a press release MIS will debut a new high-end campground, seating option, ticket package and hospitality area. A new high-end campground will overlook Turn 1 with upscale amenities. In addition, countertop seating will be added to rows in the Turn 1 Grandstands. The track is also introducing a new all-you-can eat ticket package and the track's hospitality area will move to Turn 1.
All of those are excellent improvement forfans, but ESPN's Bob Pockrass came up with another interesting tidbit -- by removing seats in Turn 1, the track capacity may be less than half of what it once was.
Michigan was listed as having 71,000 seats. With the Turn 1 seats that are removed, track says they will have "well in excess of 50,000 seats" ... so I read that as at least 11,000 seats removed in the heart of American car manufacturing. Track once had 137,000 seats. #nascar
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 25, 2018
The track is clearly betting that its new amenities will make up for the seats it's removing. For example, the track plans an $85 all-you-can eat package of hamburgers, hot dogs, and other items. It also has a long list of campground improvements including a private game room and lounge, private trackside viewing area, and infield access.
Here's the full press release:
Michigan International Speedway continues to enhance the experience for guests all week long at NASCAR's most entertaining track.
In 2018, MIS will debut a new high-end campground, seating option, ticket package and hospitality area. A new high-end campground will overlook Turn 1 with upscale amenities. In addition, countertop seating will be added to rows in the Turn 1 Grandstands. The track is also introducing a new all-you-can eat ticket package and the track's hospitality area will move to Turn 1.
Fans can call 888-905-7223 to take advantage of everything in 2018.
"We are excited about the enhancements for our guests in 2018," track President Rick Brenner said. "The new high-end campground, countertop seating and the new hospitality location will enhance the race day experience. In addition, the all-you-can-eat ticket package provides an outstanding value to our fans."
Campers will get closer to the track than ever before. The track is building a new campground located right outside of Turn 1. Now the campers will feel the speed and energy of the cars as they go into the fastest part of the track.
The campground amenities include:
- Paved Sites
- Electric and Water
- Permanent Restrooms
- Private Game Room and Lounge
- Turn 1 Patio with Picnic Tables
- Outdoor Game Area
- Fire Pits
- Private Trackside Viewing Area
- Opens Wednesday of Race Week
- RV's and Fifth Wheels
- Includes:
- Sunday All-You-Can Eat in Turn 1
- Pit, Paddock and Driver Introduction Pass
- Infield Access
The speedway will be contacting fans that are currently on a camping waiting list and will fill the high-end campground based on years attended.
New in 2018 is the all-you-can-eat ticket package starting at $85. Guests purchasing this package will enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, baked beans, potato salad, potato chips, cookies and iced tea. All of this will be available two hours prior to the green flag right behind turn 1. Now fans can get their fill on food and not miss any of the action. Groups of 10 tickets start at $75 per person. Book a group and experience our race weekend activities like the mock driver meeting and tram rides around the track.
The track will make improvements to the Turn 1 grandstands to enhance the race-day experiences of the fans. In certain sections, the track is installing countertops. Now those guests will have a seat and a countertop to put their favorite snacks and drinks on while watching the race.
In addition, the track is moving the hospitality area from the Turn 4 area down to the Turn 1 area. Guests will still receive the same great service and amenities and be closer to their seat.
The start times for the two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races have been announced. The FireKeepers Casino 400 will start at 2 p.m. on June 10. Meanwhile the Monster Energy Series race on August 12 will begin at 2:30 p.m.
As part of its facility optimization, Michigan International Speedway will remove some seats in Turn 1. The guests affected were personally contacted in advance to aid in the transition. The track will have seating options and pricing options available comparable to 2017.
NASCAR returns to Michigan International Speedway twice in 2018 and you can be part of the action. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 weekend is June 8-10. On Aug. 10-12 the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series will return to NASCAR's fastest track.
Tickets to the two NASCAR weekends go on sale to the public on February 8. And fans will want to get their tickets fast to save up to $50 per grandstand ticket and up to $30 per campsite.
Children 12 and under are free on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, children 12 and under tickets start at $15. Children 12 and under can attend three days of NASCAR action for just $15, ensuring families a weekend of fun at affordable prices.
And fans can stay after the LTi Printing 250 in June for the free Saturday post-race concert featuring 38 Special. After the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in August, The Cadillac Three will headline the free concert. All fans with a Sunday admission will gain access to the concert! The concert will take place behind Turn 3.