The Glen plans $3M improvements

WATKINS GLEN—Fans will notice a wide range of changes at Watkins Glen International when they return in 2011.
The International Speedway Corporation board of directors has approved the funding for a capital improvements project that includes four new grandstands, a new Crown Royal Club, and permanent showers in the infield.  The estimated cost of the project will be approximately $3 million.
According to WGI, the most noticeable enhancement will be the addition of four new permanent grandstands in Turn 10, Turn 11, outside the track next to the pedestrian bridge, and the outside of Turn 1 next to the Ninety Grandstand.
These new stands will replace the four temporary structures called the Turn 10, Turn 11, Green, and Silver Grandstands that are annually built for the NASCAR weekend; the new permanent grandstands will retain the same names.  Over the last several years, fans have identified these four grandstands as needing the most significant and immediate upgrades due to tight conditions and less than desirable comfort.
The wooden bleachers will be replaced by ones made of plastic and metal, much like the current FrontStretch Grandstand, and provide more space and comfort.  The addition of the permanent grandstands also increases the grandstand capacity at the historic road course by approximately 1,400 seats.
Permanent showers will be added to two existing bathrooms in the infield providing close and convenient locations for campers to freshen up during event weekends.
Gate 1 camping will receive numerous new shared water spigots and 60 additional light posts will be placed throughout the grounds.
The campers staying in VIP Pit Road Camping can look forward to a fully paved area which will eliminate the gravel that can cause dust during dry event weekends.  This will also provide a flat and smooth surface on which to place their motor homes.  
The Glen has been undergoing a series of major capital improvements over the past nine years including the addition of safer barriers and extended run-off areas in several turns in 2010, the new media center in 2008, track repaving in 2006, a new grandstand along the front stretch in 2005, and an upgrade to the garage and an improved water and sewer system that included the additions of showers in the Gate 1 campground from 2001 thru 2004.