Half-Million-Dollar Sports Arena On Route 1 Set For Grand Opening-This Day in Norwood History-June 4, 1948

Midget Auto Race Track Opens Here Next Monday

The Norwood Arena, Inc, Norwood’s newest enterprise and the most elaborate recreation park of its kind in the entire United States, will make its official bow to the public at the Grand Opening next Monday evening when the first of a series of Monday night midget auto races will be presented at the half-million dollar sports plaza.

Many of the best-known names in the midget auto racing world will be in action for the inaugural which will feature a full eight-race program.

Arthur Forrest, prominent Norwood businessman who is general manager of the Arena, announced only yesterday morning that the opening would take place next Monday evening and final details were being rushed to have everything in readiness for the debut of midget auto racing In this section.

Midget fans of this region, townspeople, and others who are curious as to just what is on the offering for the unveiling Monday night are in for a rare treat. Not only will they find a magnificent racing strip but a S150.000 clubhouse as well, complete with a cocktail lounge, 75-foot bar, comfortable terrace, and full facilities for the comfort of the patrons

In spite of the fact that the opening is scheduled on comparatively short nonce, a huge crowd is expected to witness the opener. There are seating accommodations for 16,000 persons. including 1200 box seats, 2,000 reserved seals and 3,000 grandstand seats so arranged around the track as to provide an unblocked view of the entire arena from any one position.

The track itself is paved with asphalt bituminous, with ten-foot banks on the turns and four feet on the straight-away. Complete safety measures have been employed In addition to a safety gulley and guard rail there is a high banken topped by a chain link fence separating the cars from the fans.

Racing the strip in the inaugural next Monday and every Monday night thereafter will be many of the leading drivers of the country guaranteeing the best season of racing that has ever been witnessed in this section. The drivers will find that accommodation at the new Norwood oval are probably the best that have been provided for them anywhere in the country. In Addition to a fast and safe track, they will find dressing and shower facilities in the spacious clubhouse, as well as a number of other conveniences provided by the Norwood management.

The clubhouse, a two-story Spanish-type structure, houses a cocktail lounge and long bar on the first floor. The second floor is devoted to a Judges’ stand, reviewing platform, offices, a snack bar, a cocktail bar, and a terrace for the box-seat patrons.

Ample facilities for supervised parking have been provided.

While midget auto racing is the immediate attraction at the new arena, many other top sports and entertainment events are planned for the site this summer and fall. These included boxing matches, schoolboy and professional football games, and such stage attractions as the Andrews Sisters.

Entrance to the park Is easily accessible off the Bosion-Providence road a short distance south of Dean Street.

Guests of honor at the Grand Opening Monday will be General Manager Edward C. Monahan, members of the Norwood Board of Selectmen, Lt. Gov. Arthur W. Coolidge, and other high state dignitaries.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)