Atlanta Motor Speedway unveils $1 B casino resort project for Georgia

The president of Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS), Ed Clark, released two conceptual drawings of a $1 billion project adjacent to the existing track which would be part NASCAR, part theme park, and part casino resort. It came a week after he announced his plans before Georgia’s House of Representatives' Special Committee on Economic Growth, which discussed the possibility to approve a statewide referendum for the voters to allow casinos and horse racing in the state 

The casino and the main resort would boast 700 rooms, an 85,000-square-foot casino gaming floor, 75,000-square-feet of convention space, and a 400-unit timeshare, FOX 5 reports.

Clark said while the casino would be a big draw, it wouldn’t be the only attraction. In addition to the existing track, a 3-level gold driving range, an indoor/outdoor waterpark, a 330,00-square-foot theme park, 10 theater cinema complex, a family entertainment center with an e-sports arena, and a night club. It also would feature 11,000 seats for concerts, 10 restaurants, and a 300,000-square-foot premium outlet mall. AMS said it would need to build some parking spaces underground to accommodate up to 7,800 parking spaces.

Clark said one of the biggest reasons it would be natural to make AMS into a casino resort would be the fact it is already a big attraction with the yearly NASCAR races, Imagine Music Festival, Georgia State Fair, Atlanta Air Show, and weekly races. He said in addition to the built-in fan base of visitors, the proposed resort could pull in new visitors for conventions, sporting events, concerts, and more.

Another argument is its proximity to two airports. It’s about 21 miles away from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and adjacent to the Henry County Airport.

However, Clark said the groundbreaking won't happen any time soon. The Georgia Legislature first must approve a Constitutional Amendment with two-thirds of the lawmakers passing it. It then would need to be approved by the citizens of the state of Georgia before any permitting could even be applied for.

"We are interesed in putting our stake in the grounds to be considered for this type of development," Clark said. "If gaming is allowed in the state, we will sit down and plan it with our [tentative] partner."

Clark said the biggest revenue would go towards education with the proceeds from the casino going to support Georgia education like the Georgia Lottery currently does.

While the state goes through its process to decide, Clark said some local leaders have been receptive to the concept. The project would create 3,000 construction jobs and 4,000 to 5,000 permanent jobs in the suburban region, and the estimated 1 billion in construction revenue alone. Clark said AMS is working with Foxwoods Resort Casino to continue to develop the concept fully.