Hawkeye Downs in Cedar Rapids is Getting a $33 Million Upgrade

Ask anyone who has visited Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids and they'll tell you it's a fun place to watch a race, but the facility is in dire need of an upgrade. After years of wishing and planning, Hawkeye Downs is about to get a major facelift!

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that plans to redevelop, modernize, and diversify the use of Hawkeye Downs got the official green light this week. The Cedar Rapids city council gave final authorization on a $33.8 million redevelopment plan for the Hawkeye Downs facility located on 6th Street SW in Cedar Rapids.

The new look Hawkeye Downs will be quite the sight! The Gazette reports that plans include moving the racetrack pits from the back to the front of the speedway for better visibility, building a new 45,000 square foot exhibition center with suites that overlook the racetrack, a smaller racetrack for go-carts and smaller cars, plus and 88 room hotel and restaurant.

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The Gazette reports that the project will be completed in three phases, starting in the Spring of 2025, with the first phase complete by the Fall of 2026. All phases are expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The development is expected to create 32 new jobs and maintain six existing ones according to the Gazette.

Hawkeye Downs has been a hub for racing in Cedar Rapids since 1925 according to the Gazette. The track hosts weekly stock car racing, street drags, drifting expos, and more. The expo center hosts many trade shows, meetings, and other events.