Community goal! Michigan International Speedway Soccer Fields Take Shape

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BROOKLYN, Mich. Oct. 30, 2008: Michigan International Speedway is always evolving and will soon be a multi-sport facility.

All the grading for two soccer fields in the track’s Lot 12 is complete. The fields will be ready for use in the spring, once the grass comes in.

The soccer fields are sized 50 yards by 80 yards for youths 12 and under, and 45 yards by 60 yards for youths 10 and under.

“Michigan International Speedway has been a part of the community for more than 40 years and we’re always looking for unique and interesting ways to open up the speedway for everyone to enjoy,” track President Roger Curtis said. “Our employees live, work and play in the Irish Hills so this is another way for us to give something back to our community and its youth.”

The soccer fields also help preserve green space, another important part of Michigan International Speedway’s mission.

There are two community soccer fields a few miles from the speedway. But the fields criss-cross each other, so only one field can be used at a time.

And with several soccer clubs, leagues and youth teams that play on weekends, scheduling time for games can be difficult, Village of Brooklyn Manager Victor Cardenas said.

“These soccer fields are a wonderful gift from MIS to the community,” Cardenas said. “Soccer is very popular in this area and the addition of two fields gives our youth another venue to play in. Through soccer, our youths learn teamwork, promote healthy lifestyles and build character so I applaud MIS for their dedication to youth and to the area.”

The soccer fields will be managed and maintained by MIS employees. All grading was done in-house by the speedway’s Maintenance Department.

Michigan International Speedway is comprised of 1,400 acres in Southeastern Michigan. Besides the racetrack venue, infield and accompanying grandstands, much of the property consists of camping, parking areas and wetlands.

Lot 12, off Brooklyn Highway and M-50, would typically be used for day parking during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.

Race tickets and camping for Michigan International Speedway’s 2009 events will go on sale to the general public beginning Sunday, Feb. 15 during the season-opening Daytona 500. For information or to place a $50 deposit for 2009, call the MIS Ticket Hotline at 800-354-1010 or log onto MIS.