Speedway Motorsports went public Tuesday on a potential $60 million renovation project at the Nashville Fairground to bring NASCAR back to the historic racetrack.
“We’re not here to sell you guys on racing in Nashville. We just believe we can help take the racing to the next level,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president of Bristol Motor Speedway.
“We believe we can create a guest experience like nowhere else in the country with soccer and racing co-existing and offer an unparalleled experience.”
Caldwell’s presentation featured ideas for a 30,000 seat-capacity structure, an expanded concourse, premium seating, pedestrian tunnels and sound barriers at an overhauled racetrack.
But the feasibility of a major upgrade has been questioned. The potential roadblocks include how the project will be financed and concerns about the placement of a mixed-use apartment building and parking lot, 20 feet from the racetrack entrance.
Now, the group says it has found a solution to the financing question so only one hurdle remains — what to do about the building in such close proximity to the track.
The board voted for Fairgrounds Director Laura Womack and board member Jason Bergeron as representatives in the ongoing talks.
Board Chairman Ned Horton called it “exciting potential” after hearing Caldwell’s pitch, thanking him for sharing ideas.
See much more at the Tennessean.