After every Hoar Construction worker on site signed it with a permanent marker, the last overarching steel beam was raised high in the air and put into place today for the massive Open Air Social Club, the centerpiece of the Talladega Garage Experience that will debut during the track’s NASCAR Playoffs doubleheader weekend (Oct. 11-13).
Phase II of the approximate $50 million Transformation — The Talladega Superspeedway Infield Project presented by Graybar was in high gear Wednesday as history was made. Part of a construction tradition and a project milestone is putting the last structural steel beam on a building. Thus, every construction crew member for Hoar Construction (based in nearby Birmingham) at the 2.66-mile venue placed his autograph on the final piece of steel that will create the roof, which at its highest point will measure 34 feet.
A host of media members and special guests from surrounding communities were in attendance to witness the monumental occasion, and received a first-hand look at the entire construction progress for the first time since the groundbreaking in April.
The new Open Air Social Club, which is 300 by 265 feet total, will be lined on both sides by two garages that will house the top 22 drivers (11 in each) in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Featured in the first bay Wednesday was a Kyle Busch No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet that competed in 2005, and is normally showcased in the next door International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
Fans who purchase a Talladega Garage Experience (TGE) admission will receive access inside the Open Air Social Club, where they will be just a few steps away from the “up-close” fan viewing walkway and under the same roof where the race cars are being prepped by the race teams.
The 35,000-square-foot area will also be complete with an array of ample, comfortable seating, a bar and a 41-foot diagonal video screen where entertainment enthusiasts will be able to immerse themselves into the sport of NASCAR like never before. Not too far from the Open Air Social Club will be the new Gatorade Victory Lane, which will allow fans to be a part of the winner’s celebrations. Wednesday, the Talladega Superspeedway Chevrolet Camaro Pace Car was parked in the position where the new Gatorade Victory Lane will be constructed.
The one-of-a-kind TGE, which will have FREE Wi-Fi presented by Xtreme Concepts, Inc., will stretch from the center of the Tri-Oval all the way down near the start-finish line, and will be ready at the world’s greatest racing venue during October’s 1000Bulbs.com 500 (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series) and Sugarlands Shine 250 (Gander Outdoors Truck Series). In addition to the “up-close, locker room” access, the TGE will feature interactive attractions and enhanced amenities for fans, sponsors, teams and stakeholders in the iconic Talladega infield, PLUS fans will be treated to incredible $4 or less Value-Priced Concessions (with the exception of the $9 Big One Meatball).
The Transformation Infield Project presented by Graybar is part of International Speedway Corporation’s (Talladega’s parent company) long-term capital allocation plan and reinvestment into its major motorsports complexes. DLR Group is the architect of the entire project while Hoar Construction continues to spearhead Phase II. GT Grandstands (Plant City, FL) is constructing the Race Operations tower, which, too, continues to see much progression high above the Tri-Oval, as well as the luxurious Pit Road Club Suites, which will house 600 guests who will get a birds-eye view of team pit stops, along with food and beverages.
Fans can learn more about the project and view the progress 24/7 via the construction cam by visiting www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/transformation. For ticket information on the track’s NASCAR doubleheader playoffs weekend, and all things on Transformation and the TGE, log onto www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-7223 (RACE).
