Richmond Raceway Reimagined (Reimagined) hit a major milestone today with the installation of the new pedestrian tunnel. The $30 million infield redevelopment project at Richmond Raceway (Richmond) has been moving forward since the groundbreaking in September. The expanded pedestrian tunnel installed near Turn 1 will allow more fans to have access to the modernized infield.
"The installation of the new pedestrian tunnel is a milestone moment in the Richmond Raceway Reimagined infield redevelopment project," said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. "The new, expanded pedestrian tunnel will make it easier for more fans to access the infield than ever before. We look forward to our loyal fans taking their first steps into the modernized infield in September 2018."
The construction milestone was marked by long-time RICHMOND NATION member, Dean Lewis, who signed the pedestrian tunnel for our loyal season ticket holders. Lewis has attended races and camped at Richmond since 1974.
"It was an unbelievable experience to be a part of today's Richmond Raceway Reimagined milestone event," said Dean Lewis. "Richmond Raceway is one of the best tracks in the country. I cannot wait to return to walk in the new Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garages with my friends."
The expanded width of the new pedestrian tunnel will allow more fans to comfortably travel to and from the new infield. The ADA Accessible tunnel also includes an elevator for more convenient transportation for all fans. The entire tunnel is made of 6,506 cubic yards of concrete, 220,326 square feet of slab, and 256,000 pounds of rebar. It measures 415 linear feet comprised of 10'x10' concrete boxes and weighs 1,100 tons.
It took 55 tractor trailers to deliver the pedestrian tunnel. A crane standing 282 feet high, the tallest structure in Henrico County, and weighing one million pounds is being used in the installation of the tunnel. To deliver the crane, it took 30 tractor trailer loads.
Reimagined is a $30 million infield redevelopment project bringing new attractions and state of the art fan-based attractions to the historic Richmond infield. Once completed, the new space will blend modern amenities for today's fans with the iconic Richmond racing experience fans have come to expect.
Rising above Reimagined will be an exclusive 80-person rooftop club overlooking Gatorade Victory Lane; providing one of the most unique views in all of NASCAR. Two new garage suites, featuring ground level views of the Monster Energy Series garage will also debut in the modernized infield. Additionally, Reimagined provides partners with new fan engagement opportunities and innovative signage that is unprecedented in the market.
The modernized infield debuts over Richmond's first NASCAR playoff weekend on September 21-22, 2018.
Richmond Raceway 2018 NASCAR Season
The Toyota Spring Race Weekend at Richmond Raceway returns "under the lights" in 2018, and a week earlier in the NASCAR schedule on April 20-21, 2018. The action starts with the ToyotaCare 250 NASCAR XFINITY Series Dash4Cash race on Friday, April 20 at 7:00 p.m. Kids 12 and younger are free in general admission seating areas for all NASCAR XFINITY Series races. Richmond's spring weekend continues with the fan-friendly Track Takeover driven by AAA, followed by NASCAR's best in the TOYOTA OWNERS 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race starting at dusk and ending "under the lights" at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.
Richmond's Fall Race Weekend, presented by Who's Your Driver, will make history with the grand opening of the Richmond Raceway Reimagined modernized infield along with hosting its first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoff race weekend on September 21-22, 2018. The action begins on Friday, September 21 at 7:30 p.m. with the first race of the NASCAR XFINITY Series Playoffs. On Saturday, September 22, Richmond hosts the only Monster Energy Series playoff race "under the lights" with the Federated Auto Parts 400 at 7:30 p.m.