Daytona International Speedway unveils new solar pavilion

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Daytona International Speedway will soon become one of the top five largest sports venues to use solar energy.

On Thursday morning, the Speedway along with Florida Power & Light Co., unveiled what the new solar pavilion will look like. A little over 7,000 solar panels will be use to generate electricity and keep race fans cool in the three canopy structures that will be surrounding the Speedway.

"It's three different opportunities for fans to really understand our commitment to the environment. We've never done anything like this in 50 or plus years. Again, we're changing the way we do business and excited FP&L is helping us get there," said Joie Chitwood III, Daytona International Speedway president.

The solar panels will be located in the Midway, Spring FANZONE and Lot 10 parking area. It's all part of the $400 million Daytona Rising Project that's expected to be finished by January.