The Lexus Velodrome is an indoor

velodrome A velodrome is an arena for track cycling. Modern velodromes feature steeply banked oval tracks, consisting of two 180-degree circular bends connected by two straights. The straights transition to the circular turn through a moderate Track tran ...

located at 601 Mack Avenue in

Detroit, Michigan Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at ...

, U.S. It is operated by the Detroit Fitness Foundation, offering indoor roller skating, walking, running and weight lifting in addition to open track cycling, training and racing. Free children’s programs are offered, including free equipment rental. The track has 50 degree banked turns and 15 degree banked straights. The track opened in January 2018, on the former site of Tolan Playfield (named for Detroit native and double

Olympic Olympic or Olympics may refer to Sports Competitions * Olympic Games, international multi-sport event held since 1896 ** Summer Olympic Games ** Winter Olympic Games * Ancient Olympic Games, ancient multi-sport event held in Olympia, Greece b ...

gold medalist

Eddie Tolan Thomas Edward "Eddie" Tolan (September 29, 1908 – January 30/31, 1967), nicknamed the "Midnight Express", was an American track and field athlete who competed in sprints. He set world records in the 100-yard dash and 100 meters event and Olympi ...

). Track cycling competitions are held there regularly, including

USA Cycling USA Cycling or USAC, based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is the national governing body for bicycle racing in the United States. It covers the disciplines of road, track, mountain bike, cyclo-cross, and BMX across all ages and ability leve ...

events. Madison racing is commonly offered. USAC announced that the Madison National Championships will be held at the Lexus Velodrome for 2021 through 2025. There is a bar located in the center of the track along with ticketed seating as well as general admission viewing. An announcer calls the racing action, which is sometimes broadcast on local

PBS The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is an American public broadcasting, public broadcaster and Non-commercial activity, non-commercial, Terrestrial television, free-to-air television network based in Arlington, Virginia. PBS is a publicly fu ...

station Detroit Public TV. The velodrome is housed in a 64,000 sq. ft. inflated dome. In December 2021 the dome collapsed and was torn due to a sustained power outage and the failure of the backup generator system that powers the blowers that keep the dome inflated. The dome was repaired and re-inflated, reopening to the public in February 2022. The ET oval has two sections of track. One red, one green. The innermost red lane measures approximately 214M. While the innermost green lane measures approximately 226.5M. The surface is a smooth polished concrete where the walking, running, skating, and even the learn to ride classes take place.

References

{{reflist 2018 establishments in Michigan Lexus Sports venues in Detroit Tourist attractions in Detroit Velodromes in the United States

See also

References