Colvin Grandstand bowing out as track revises seating
The Colvin Grandstand, at top in this map, is on the track’s backstretch. Raceway officials want to ‘focus race weekend enhancements’ on the frontstretch, where the start/finish lines are located. MAP COURTESY OF DARLINGTON RACEWAY
By Bobby Bryant, Editor
editor@newsandpress.net
Darlington Raceway is retiring, at least for now, its Colvin Grandstand seating on the backstretch of the Lady in Black, and some fans are sorry to see it go.
Beginning with NASCAR’s May race, seating in the Colvin Grandstand won’t be available, the Raceway said in a news release.
The grandstand, on the track’s north side, is named for Bob Colvin, Raceway president from 1952-67. In 2018, the track announced its metal seats would be upgraded to stadium-style bleachers.
The Raceway’s statement said: “The backstretch adjustments will allow the track to focus race weekend enhancements on the frontstretch, to create an even better overall experience for our race fans who choose to attend one or both race weekends.
“The enhanced fan experience in the frontstretch grandstands will also bring fans closer to the intense race action, pit road, pre-race activities, expansive midway experience, multiple concession options and more.” Track officials said anyone holding tickets for Colvin Grandstand seats will get the same pricing options in Pearson Tower.
Darlington resident and race fan Will Isgett says people – especially older fans – will notice the changes. His family chose Colvin Grandstand for many years, he said: “That’s where we would always sit.”
“People will take notice of it,” Isgett said. “Those stands have been there since the track was built.”
Darlington Raceway hosts the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR on May 6-8, featuring all three national series, and Labor Day Race Weekend Sept. 3-4, featuring the start of NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs and the 73rd running of the Southern 500.