Race track in Mobile

[elb401]

So how about the site just north of Mobile being named tha location of the park?

[nitek_of_mobile]

This project is monumental, not only for Mobile County, but for the city of Prichard as well. For decades, Prichard has been maligned with the stigma of being a 'ghetto suburb'; and this potentially highly lucrative entertainment destination will be the catalyst for a transformation of Prichard into a somewhat attractive suburb. The most interesting aspect of the project for me is the proposed entertainment component, with its potential array of big box stores, theaters and casual dining options. You just know the Industrial Pkwy corridor in both directions from the Park will be coveted by developers and assorted retailers.

Imagine Chili's, TGI Friday's or even Ruby Tuesday in Prichard.

[DruidCity]

The most interesting aspect of the project for me is the proposed entertainment component,

[nitek_of_mobile]

Same here. The whole project has the potential to be the biggest tourist-related investment in Alabama.

I agree. It surprised me to know that Prichard extended that far. Before this project came along, I'd have guessed that location was in Saraland.

[mobileal1]

I'm happy for the City of Prichard. Good news just keeps on flowing for the Mobile area, I wonder what will be next?

[elb401]

Hopefully two new steel plants!

[Southron]

I really like the fact that this will be a much-needed economic boost for the Prichard area, as well as being another feather in the cap for a more dynamic Mobile.

I'm especially excited about the road course, which will be suitable for many international forms of road racing, and all forms of motorcycle racing. A track press release stated that it is being designed by an internationally renowned English firm, Apex Circuit Design. Firm owner Clive Bowen said, "The plot is hilly and we're going to create a race track that is exciting, beautiful and one that offers a European style of racing challenge."

According to the Alabama Motorsports Park website, the track will open for racing in 2009 and the complex will be fully operational in 2010. In addition to the road course, the park will include an oval track, sprint car track, drag strip, a fishing lake and a big RV lot that will be open year-round. Land is reserved for a 7,000 seat arena, five music halls with seating ranging from 500 to 3,000 persons, restaurants, hotels/lodging, and boutique shops. Additional areas are reserved for a shopping center, big-box retail, office space/commercial, light industrial uses, and a potential water park/theme park.

Mobile Press-Register: Racetrack plans take shape

[Southron]

Here's the site plan from the track website:

[Southron]

Two race tracks added to plans

According to site plans submitted to the US Army Corps of Engineers, two tracks have been added to plans for the park: a go-cart track and a motocross track. Construction could start in early 2008 if permits are approved.

The race complex is designed to be walkable, according to Rick Skelton, an investor in the park. Race City, which will feature race-themed stores and restaurants, and possibly a race museum, will be located near the tracks.

Mobile Press-Register: Site plan calls for 6 tracks to anchor Prichard motorpark

[Alabadrock]

Two race tracks added to plans

According to site plans submitted to the US Army Corps of Engineers, two tracks have been added to plans for the park: a go-cart track and a motocross track. Construction could start in early 2008 if permits are approved.

The race complex is designed to be walkable, according to Rick Skelton, an investor in the park. Race City, which will feature race-themed stores and restaurants, and possibly a race museum, will be located near the tracks.

Mobile Press-Register: Site plan calls for 6 tracks to anchor Prichard motorpark

[Southron]

According to proposals submitted by developers, the 2,500 acre racetrack complex will alter more than 3 miles of stream and fill 175 acres of wetlands. Some government agencies and local environmental groups are describing the site proposal as one of the greatest single losses of stream habitat in Mobile County. Some fear the project could dramatically lower water quality in the upper portions of Chickasabogue Creek, home to several popular swimming and recreational areas. A number of groups, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, are also raising questions about how the environmental analysis of the site was conducted, and whether surveys for wetlands and endangered species were comprehensive and thorough.

Investors plan to break ground in the second quarter of 2008.

Mobile Press-Register: Racetrack site: Questions surround environmental survey, but developers say they are minimizing damage

[Southron]

Sad to see, but Alabama Motorsports Park developers will cut three of the six planned tracks to avoid a lengthy environmental impact study. The drag strip, dirt track and motocross track will not be built.

Mobile Press-Register: Prichard racetrack plans downscaled

[Southron]

The developers of Alabama Motorsports Park revealed a revised site plan on November 30th. The new plan, which reflects changes to land use on the north and west sides of the property, reduces wetlands impact and highlights lakes and streams on the property. The road course now includes a straightaway that runs through the Race City retail area.

Press release

Revised site plan:

[nitek_of_mobile]

I'm just glad that the big box retail developments will remain in Prichard city limits. The revenue will build up a strong tax base.

[Southron]

Racetrack investors will be in Mobile on Tuesday to host an open house on the latest design for the $624 million motorsports and entertainment complex. Developers could break ground on the project by June.

Public to get update on motor park progress

[Southron]

Public comment on the racetrack proposal will be heard June 19th at 7 p.m. at the Saraland Civic Center, 716 Mae St. An informal open house will be held from 6-7 p.m., prior to the comment period, to allow public to view of the site plans. Mike Dow said there should be a ground-breaking in June and the racetracks open in time for the 2010 racing season.

Racetrack open house

[The Dude]

Fairly solid design. The plan's main street design is very similar to the 'The Wharf' down in Orange Beach. I like the plan alot. I don't think it's perfect but it's a fairly solid plan with a nice mix of uses. What a great project and addition for North Mobile.

Also, on their website, it indicates plans for a ESPN Zone! You can view a more detailed plan with higher resolution in .pdf format here.

[Ketin_Of_Mobile]

I don't think ESPN Zone would enter this market just yet. It's probably indicative of the type of commercial use they want for that space in the retail component.

[Southron]

According to the Press-Register, about 200 people attended a public hearing conducted by the Corps of Engineers Thursday night at the Saraland Civic Center. Attendees expressed support for the project, and stated concerns about race day traffic and the impact on wetlands at the edge of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. Federal officials said an examination of the project's environmental impact is not yet complete.

Racetrack meeting draws pro, con voices

[Southron]

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted a permit Friday for the $650 million Alabama Motorsports Park. With this hurdle out of the way, the project should be able to begin construction soon, unless the national financial situation slows it down.

$650M project a boon for Prichard

[Southron]

Raceway developers expect to have financing within 60 days, and to open for racing in 2011. There's an interview with former mayor Mike Dow, representing the investors, in the Press-Register article below.

Motorsports park expected to open in 2011