The NASCAR Hall of Fame is asking the City of Charlotte for $25 million in public funding to support a major renovation of its uptown facility. Officials presented the proposal Monday to the City Council’s economic development committee, describing it as the most significant upgrade since the Hall opened in 2010.
The project aims to improve the layout, enhance security, and expand educational offerings. It also includes upgrades to guest experience areas and the creation of new event space.
Proposed renovations include:
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Moving the gift shop to a former NASCAR studio near the entrance
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Converting the current gift shop into multipurpose classroom space
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Turning an existing meeting room into a new café
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Building a 2,900-square-foot enclosed event space
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Relocating the security desk for better visibility
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Installing modern security screening equipment
Construction costs are estimated between $12 million and $15 million, with remaining funds allocated to design, permitting, furnishings, and other related expenses. Project estimates will be refined as design advances.
Here’s the currently layout of the facility:
Here’s what it would look like after the $25 million upgrades:
The funding would come from Charlotte’s hospitality fund, which is generated through taxes on hotel stays, car rentals, and prepared meals. By law, that money must be used on tourism-related infrastructure, such as the Hall of Fame. The city has not incurred new debt for the Hall since its construction in 2009.
The NASCAR Hall of Fame is owned by the city and operated by the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA). According to CRVA officials, the facility generated $74.9 million in economic impact during fiscal year 2024, including $43.1 million in direct visitor spending and $2.4 million in tax revenue.
City finance staff said the $25 million request is manageable under current hospitality fund projections, even if the 2% hotel occupancy tax that helps fund the Hall expires in 2039.
