Daytona Beach, FL – Race fans who visit Daytona International Speedway may get a peaceful feeling if they opt to enter the newly renovated stadium through its most western entrance.
A cold and blustery morning didn’t prevent over 100 people from seeing Florida Hospital cut the ribbon on its new “injector” Wednesday morning. The Florida Hospital “injector” – which is Speedway lingo for a stadium gate – sits next to Turn 1.
Florida Hospital received its own entrance as part of its investment into the $400 Daytona Rising project. The other 3 Founding Partners of Daytona Rising – Toyota, Chevrolet and Sunoco – also have specific entrances.
International Speedway Corporation Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer Daryl Wolfe says the partnership with Florida Hospital allows them to highlight the importance of creating a healthy environment for everyone.
“It’s not often that two iconic organizations from the same community have the opportunity to collaborate on a unique project such as Daytona Rising,” Wolfe added. “With Florida Hospital as our partner, we will together be able to positively impact our organization and community for many years to come.”
Florida Hospital’s 20,000 square foot area of the stadium features a flowing waterfall at the entrance and an overhead tree canopy at the top of the stairs that rotates through each of the 4 seasons and a starry night sky.
There’s also several interactive displays, a mist wall for cooling people off and a grassy lawn at the very top of the stadium that provides seating while giving a commanding view of the Daytona Beach skyline.
Jamie McMurray – a NASCAR Sprint Cup driver and ambassador for Florida Hospital – toured the facility after the ribbon-cutting and said it’s unlike anything he’s ever seen.
“To me, this experience at the Speedway is a game changer,” McMurray added. “[It] has really opened all the racetracks’ eyes as to what experiences they can give racetrack fans.”
As part of its Founding Partner status, Florida Hospital is the Speedway’s official health care provider and will handle all medical emergency situations at DIS, be it on the track or in the stands.
Florida Hospital will hold a free open house to show off the new entrance on February 17th from 3 PM to 7 PM.
Florida Hospital is the largest hospital system in the area, operating 5 facilities in Volusia and Flagler counties. It employs around 5,000 people and sees around 650,000 patients every year.
Video above and photos below of the ceremony are courtesy of Florida Hospital.
Copyright 2016 Southern Stone Communications.