First-class festival activities surround Ontario's largest annual sporting event

Toronto, ON (June 21, 2010) – The list of activities and amenities at the Honda Indy Toronto continues to grow. Visitors to the event can experience everything they would expect from a major summer festival, plus special initiatives offered by a committed group of sponsors led by Honda.

“A large portion of the Honda Indy Toronto fan base would have attended the event as children or teenagers,” said Arch Wilcox, vice president of advertising for Honda Canada.  “Throughout its 24 year history, the event has been able to draw a diverse crowd that comes to the race with different interests, but with one purpose: to spend a memorable day at one of the best racing sites around.”

“The event is one month away and we’re already jam packed with activities,” said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of Honda Indy Toronto. “This event has evolved in lockstep with the needs of Torontonians, Ontarians and the thousands of visitors who attend the event from outside the province each year. These needs include quality off-track activities, and this year’s event has more of those than ever before.”

What visitors will find at the Honda Indy Toronto:
 
By the numbers (as of June 10)
Grand stands: 7
Dr Pepper Chill Zones: 2
Budweiser Beer gardens: 5
Approx. no. of concerts: 10+
Concert stages: 2
Exhibitors and vendors: 50+
Food booths/stations: 20+
Pot-O-lets: 100+
EMS facilities: 5+

Budweiser Winners’ Circle
The Budweiser Winners’ Circle allows ticketholders – some 3,000 people - to live the ultimate race-day experience. This section, which is located just east of BMO Field features food from Hooters, the Bud Girls, prizes, concerts, access to an exclusive private grandstand, as well as cold Budweiser products. The legendary Budweiser Big Rig will be onsite for the duration of the weekend. Tickets can be won through purchasing a specially marked Budweiser case at retail locations, or at selected bars across Ontario.

 

Food and drink highlights
  • 4 Budweiser Beer Gardens including the Bud Winner's Circle
  • Dr Pepper drink samples
  • Four Pizza Pizza vending locations

 

Entertainment

  • Performances by Starboyz, internationally-renowned street bike entertainers
  • Final pageant of the Bud Pit Crew Girl Search on Saturday afternoon (at the Budweiser Winners’ Circle)
  • Three days of continual entertainment on various stages

Note: Bands and performances to be announced shortly

Other activities

  • Dr Pepper Grandstand – ticketholders in this section will receive a complimentary Dr Pepper beverages all day, Dr Pepper T-shirt, coupon for a free 2L Dr Pepper and a chance to win numerous prizes
  • Pitching Cage, presented by Honda, where fans can compete for the fastest pitch in the company of Blue Jays team members
  • Pit-stop Challenge sponsored by Honda where spectators can experience the adrenaline of racing preparations and changing a tire
  • Schick Hydro Grandstand – ticketholders in this section will receive complimentary seat cushions and Schick Hydro razors

 

Staying cool

  • Two Ultimate Chill Zones, sponsored by Dr Pepper, which will include free samples, X-box gaming, raffles, a picture area and more
  • Dr Pepper representatives will offer complimentary Dr Pepper 355 ml cans to visitors leaving the race site as well as coupons
  • Schick Hydro submarine, which features a real submarine with a live DJ on the outside; interactive displays, a real periscope, prizes and a Schick Hydro Blast station on the inside. Visitors can cool down and leave re-energized with prizes and a free Schick Hydro razor

 

Giving back

  • Funds raised through many activities will go to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, thanks to a special partnership between Make-A-Wish® Canada and Honda. For a small donation, fans can take part in the following activities:
  1. Sign Paul Tracy’s race suit and watch him wear it during the race. The suit will be displayed at Yonge and Dundas Square from Monday, July 12 to Wednesday, July 14, and then at thunder alley from Friday to Sunday.
  2. Experience a Honda race simulator in Honda World (direct energy centre)
  • The Honda Indy Toronto is holding a Run, Walk N’ Wheelathon event for Shoot For A Cure and The Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation in support of spinal cure research on July 15, 2010, allowing fans the opportunity to get acquainted with the circuit and contribute to a good cause.

 

For up-to-date information on schedule and announcements, visit: www.hondaindytoronto.com

 

Media information:
Kathleen Stelmach
Office: 416-341-9929 ext. 227
Cell: 647-830-0354
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