Update: Dover to remove more seats? (Update 2)
10/13/14
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| Like many tracks, Dover has seen attendance declines in recent years. |
This rumor is upgraded to fact, as discussed in this Delaware State News article.
Dover International Speedway plans to reduce seating capacity, and will remove nearly 20,000 more from the 'Monster Mile' by this Christmas. Capacity at Dover, which was 135,000 in 2001, will be under 100,000 for 2015.
Such measures to reduce seating capacity follow a trend witnessed at major racing facilities in recent years. Michigan, Talladega, Daytona and others have all removed seating as live attendance at race events has dwindled steadily over the past decade.
AR1 Staff
09/26/14
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| Empty seats galore |
In 2001, Dover International Speedway completed an expansion of the grandstand that had been ongoing for 16 years. The result: 135,000 seats for NASCAR fans. But since the economy crashed in 2008, NASCAR tracks across the country have battled sagging attendance, a problem that has been all too apparent on TV broadcasts showing rows and rows of empty seats.
In recent years, track officials have covered some of those empty sections with large banners. Now, Dover officials are considering removing some seats entirely. Denis McGlynn, president and CEO of Dover Downs Gaming and Entertainment and Dover Motorsports Inc., said there is "serious consideration" of removing seats. In 2011, the track cut capacity from 135,000 to 113,000 by widening seats. Company officials would not say when a decision would be finalized. A lot of factors, like sight lines to the track and restroom placement, have to be taken into account. USA Today