Phoenix Raceway prioritizes technological innovations to enhance fan experience for NASCAR Championship weekend
As a sport traditionally marginalized as behind on the times, NASCAR and its technological relevance are areas Phoenix Raceway and track president Julie Giese know are important to emphasize during championship weekend.
In an effort to bolster the fan experience at the one-mile track, Giese and her staff are instilling innovations that are bound to take the sport to the next level — both literally and figuratively.
“When we renovated this facility, one of the hallmarks of the new venue was technology,” Giese said. “I think we all know technology is always evolving and it doesn’t ever stand still, so it’s important for us to continue to be at the forefront wherever possible. It’s incredibly important that we deliver the best fan experience; technology helps with that.”
The centerpiece of these efforts will be the introduction of the NASCAR Championship Oasis in the Sky. This platform will lift a selection of 12 VIP guests 150 feet in the air in 30-minute increments above the facility as some of the world's best stock car drivers race directly beneath their feet for a championship.
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The experience will be powered by Dinner in the Sky Canada and provide participants with a food and beverage service, all while enjoying a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the action.
On a somewhat smaller scale, you might have noticed unique billboards promoting NASCAR Championship Weekend in the downtown Phoenix area. These aren't your average advertisements. On Jefferson Street there are two billboards utilizing a brand-new 3D technology that must be seen to believe. One, at the intersection with 2nd Street, features Kyle Larson emerging from his No. 5 car in victory lane, while the other on 3rd Street illustrates the infamous title-defining moment for Larson in 2021 — a blistering fast pit stop.
In NASCAR, speed is everything. If you’re not feeling it beneath your feet from a sky platform or witnessing it in 3D downtown, you can embody it with various amenities being offered by the track.
To ensure no one misses the big race, Phoenix Raceway has partnered with Waze GPS app to ensure you make it to the track quickly. Fans with parking passes can scan the QR code on the back and be directed to the Waze app for the fastest route to their designated parking area.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early each day to indulge in the pre-race festivities, but this accommodation will come especially handy on Sunday. Between the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race being sold-out and the Arizona Cardinals home game in Glendale, there’s expected to be heavy traffic delays.
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Finally, make the most of your Friday night as the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series crowns a new champion. Prior to the Lucas Oil 150, a pre-race show featuring 400 drones will light up the night sky above the Estrella Mountains and the raceway. If that wasn’t enough, QR codes posted on the grandstand seats will redirect users to the NASCAR app, where they can hold up their phones and be part of an interactive light show during the stage breaks.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Raceway prioritizes tech innovation for NASCAR title weekend
