BROOKLYN - The largest sports venue in the state is about to get a little larger.

The building trades and Elrod Construction are in the process of erecting a new "front door" entrance for the Michigan International Speedway, as well as a superstructure that will support and contain luxury suites, track operations, club-level seating and a new "Skylounge."

The venue's seating capacity will be increased to 137,242 with the addition of 870 outdoor Champion's Club seats above the existing grandstands and below the new suite/club structure. Fans who purchase a Champions Club package will have access to an indoor entertainment area. The indoor area includes access to the club via elevator, an air-conditioned dining area, private restrooms, with food and bar area.

Above that will go the Skylounge, which will replace the original structure that has been in place high above the start/finish line since the track was originally built in 1968. The two-level Skylounge will hold areas for radio and television broadcasts, timing and scoring, a new press box, and 16 new suites, up from 10 in the now-demolished original structure. Each suite will hold 32 patrons.

"Race fans come to MIS and spend practically every minute at the track from dawn until dusk," said MIS President Brett Shelton. "Whether fans are enjoying the displays from our sponsors, shopping for merchandise, or just taking a break from the action on the track, this area will extend the enjoyment for the thousands of fans who come and spend the whole day and weekend with us."

The most recent expansion of the MIS was the addition of 10,800 seats prior to the 2000 race season.

The renovation project will include a reconfiguration of the front-stretch area, which will include new ticket gates, new vendor and display areas and several new concession stands. A plaza area outside the ticket gates will feature a "Legends Walk" with a tribute to many of Michigan International Speedway's past champions.

"Each year we have partners who want to purchase skylounge suites but haven't had the room to accommodate them in the past," said MIS Director of Marketing Keith Karbo. "We are excited about adding six new suites which will be new inventory to accommodate the demand in our market. The view will be spectacular. It's going to be a place where companies will be proud to entertain their clients, and I can assure you that the view will be spectacular."

The work is scheduled to be completed in time for the season opening NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, on June 17. With the additional seats, MIS becomes the eighth largest motorsports venue on the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series schedule.

"It's a very tight, ambitious schedule," said Zane Hubbard, an Operating Engineers Local 324 member operating a crane on the project. "We have a lot to do before they start racing in June."

THE IRON SUPERSTRUCTURE that will hold new suites, a press box and track operations nears completion at the Michigan International Speedway.

OPERATING ENGINEER Zane Hubbard works an American crane at the MIS project.