Annual attendance at the NASCAR Hall of Fame continues to trail initial goals for visitors as the facility seeks millions from the city of Charlotte for renovations.
The Charlotte City Council’s economic development committee voted unanimously Monday to advance a plan to invest $25 million in the facility to a deciding vote by the full council. Hall of Fame officials said the renovations are needed to keep up with growth, especially with school groups.
Attendance and revenue are both on the rise in recent years at the Hall of Fame, according to data from the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, which operates the facility.
But the number of people visiting the uptown location still trails initial estimates from when the city-owned facility was developed. Low attendance and revenue raised concerns with city leaders during the Hall of Fame’s early years.
The $25 million Hall of Fame renovation would include relocating the facility’s gift shop and cafe, more event space, new security screening equipment and a new dedicated education space for school groups.
It would be the biggest upgrade to the facility since it opened 15 years ago, officials said during the City Council’s first discussion of the project in June.