Richmond Int'l Raceway will "remove its remaining backstretch grandstands, cutting the track’s seating capacity by 9,000 to about 60,000," according to Randy Hallman of the RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH. RIR "hasn't been able to fill its seats in the past seven-plus years," and had already "reduced capacity from its all-time high of more than 112,000 by widening some seats and removing other grandstands." RIR President Dennis Bickmeier said that the decision is "part of a long-term plan." Bickmeier: "Hopefully, we’re going to revitalize the racetrack. Part of what we see with the future of the track is to have all the seating toward the frontstretch and the turns. Long term, that’s the way to go.” Hallman noted the backstretch stands "offered the lowest-priced tickets for Sprint Cup races." RIR Dir of Communications Aimee Turner said that the track "will match that price for the lowest rows in about 10 other sections." Bickmeier added that the track "plans to repurpose the backstretch area." RIR has "hired consulting firms to help determine what renovations and innovations will be part of the track’s future." Bickmeier said that details are "still being determined." Turner added that the Daytona Rising project at Daytona Int'l Speedway, another ISC track, has "helped shape expectations at RIR." Turner: "Fans expect easy access to displays, merchandise, food vendors. We want to offer all of that and more to make the best possible race-day experience" (RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH, 1/6).
