AVONDALE, Arizona – The evolution of ISM Raceway is in progress and fans attending the Phoenix Grand Prix in April will notice some of the changes.

The $178 million renovation project announced in January 2017 has been moving forward steadily since. Though completion of the massive project at the 1.022-mile oval isn’t expected until November, fans will enjoy some of the upgrades when the Verizon IndyCar Series returns for race weekend on April 6-7.

Julie Giese, managing director of business operation for International Speedway Corp. (ISC), which owns the 54-year-old facility, has been at the forefront of the project.

“The fans are going to experience and see a whole new grandstand that’s gone up since they were last here,” Giese said during a media “hard hat” tour at the track this morning, prior to the second day of the Verizon IndyCar Series’ preseason open test.

“I think they’ll be surprised to see how much of the new structure is in place.”

Among the new amenities in place are the Curve luxury club high above the grandstands, 33 new suites and escalators at the ISM Connect Canyon entrance areas, an idea that came from seeing its convenience with the $400 million renovation project at Daytona International Speedway, another ISC property. Giese was also involved in that project.

“We’ll have some new gates open in the ISM Canyon, which is our new vertical transportation area,” continued Giese. “That will also be open for the upcoming INDYCAR event, so they can ride the escalators up to their seats if they don’t want to take the stairs.”

Seating will remain in the original stands along the front straight, though they will be torn down after the race to make way for motorhome parking at future events. The track’s infield looks more barren now, with plans to finish a pedestrian tunnel connecting to the new grandstands in the current Turn 2 and an entirely new garage area allowing close-up access and a fan zone to be constructed.

When the Verizon IndyCar Series returns in 2019, all facility changes will be complete. Chief among them will be the relocation of the start/finish line, which moves from the front straightaway that has been in place since the track opened in 1964 to the end of what is now Turn 2, before the track’s iconic dogleg to the backstretch. It means that when the checkered flag waves at the Phoenix Grand Prix this April, it will be the final time for it wave at that location – after a total of 64 races.

The current pit road entrance will remain, but the exit will take on a new look and extend around the current Turn 2.

“With the reconfiguration of the grandstands and with the start/finish line, we’ve reconfigured pit road as well and we’re moving that into the turn,” added Giese. “We’ll move that back a little bit and bring it in front of all the fans so they will have a great viewing perspective.”

An estimated 50,000 capacity (not including Rattlesnake Hill or motorhome grounds) will feature stadium-style seating with armrests, cup holders and shade throughout most of the day.

The DC Solar Power Pavilion will have a trackside bar and grill with concessions, drinks and live music. The Wheelhouse hospitality area will boast a newly redesigned ROLL-BAR. ISM Raceway will also be the first track to feature wifi connectivity throughout, in seats, concourses, the infield and DC Solar Power Pavilion.

“They’ll be able to experience the infield, which is a huge upgrade,” said Giese. “It will be like putting people behind the scenes of the action. We’ll have new garages with an interactive experience that allows fans to actually walk into the garages to see what the teams and drivers are doing to prepare for the race.

“They will also be able to watch Gatorade Victory Lane from right next to it. There’s a lot of seating areas and a lot of different interactions to entertain everybody while they’re here.”

For information on tickets to the Phoenix Grand Prix weekend, visit ismraceway.com. The race will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s 52nd and final Indy car win in 1993. ISM Raceway announced today that it will have the same No. 6 Kmart/Texaco Havoline Lola/Ford that Andretti drove to victory at the track on race weekend.

“We are honored to be able to host this celebration for Mario Andretti’s final win,” said Bryan Sperber, the track's president. “To have his race-winning car return to Phoenix for the first time since winning 25 years ago will make this celebration at ISM Raceway even more special.”