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Suites, seats and more: IMS upgrades before Indy 500

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is making some big improvements for this year’s centennial race.

IMS officials call it Project 100. Workers were at IMS Tuesday making updates to the 106–year-old facility.

The speedway is adding three new rows of seating in paddock A and B along Georgetown Road. This will add a total of 1,000 seats. Plus, there’s a section for people with disabilities and seven new elevators.

More fans will also be able to enjoy the ‘suite’ life, with more suites being added at IMS.

Restrooms will also see upgrades.

IMS President Doug Boles says it’s a balancing act to keep traditions and upgrade to state-of-the-art facilities.

“What makes us special is our history and tradition,” Boles said. “That’s the roots of our DNA, and when you get here you don’t want to feel like you’re any place else other than the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. That’s been a difficult one for us.”

Because of expansion, the speedway has lost many parking spaces, forcing some fans to have to find parking outside the track.