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

Norwood Arena to Make Grand Opening Monday; Nation’s Most Elaborate Auto Racing Park Ready for Debut

Excitement is building across town as Norwood Arena, Inc., the community’s newest and most ambitious recreational enterprise, prepares to make its official public debut next Monday evening. Billed as the most elaborate recreation park of its kind in the entire United States, the half‑million‑dollar sports plaza will open with the first in a series of Monday night midget auto races, launching what promoters promise will be a spectacular racing season.

Top Drivers to Headline Opening Night

Many of the best‑known names in midget auto racing are expected to take the track for the inaugural program, which will feature a full eight‑race card. The announcement of the opening date was made only yesterday morning by Arthur Forrest, prominent Norwood businessman and general manager of the Arena, who noted that final preparations were being rushed to ensure the facility is ready for its long‑awaited unveiling.

Despite the short notice, a huge crowd is anticipated. The Arena boasts seating for 16,000 spectators, including 1,200 box seats, 2,000 reserved seats, and 3,000 grandstand seats, all arranged to provide an unobstructed view of the entire track.

A Racing Strip Without Equal

Fans attending the opening will find a magnificent asphalt‑bituminous racing strip, engineered for speed and safety. The track features:

• 10‑foot banked turns
• 4‑foot banked straightaways
• A safety gulley
• A guard rail
• A high bank topped with chain‑link fencing to protect spectators

These measures, combined with the track’s smooth surface and modern design, make the Norwood oval one of the finest racing facilities in the country.

A $150,000 Clubhouse for Fans and Drivers

One of the Arena’s most striking features is its $150,000 Spanish‑style clubhouse, a two‑story structure offering amenities rarely seen at auto racing venues. The first floor includes:

• A cocktail lounge
• A 75‑foot bar
• A comfortable terrace
• Full facilities for patrons

The second floor houses:

• The judges’ stand
• A reviewing platform
• Administrative offices
• A snack bar
• A cocktail bar
• A terrace reserved for box‑seat patrons

Drivers will also enjoy dressing rooms, showers, and other conveniences designed to make Norwood Arena one of the most driver‑friendly tracks in the nation.

A New Era of Racing for the Region

Beginning with Monday’s opener and continuing every Monday night throughout the season, the Arena will host many of the leading midget drivers in the country, ensuring what promoters describe as the best racing season ever witnessed in this region.

Parking and Logistics Ready for the Crowds

Ample, supervised parking has been arranged to accommodate the thousands expected to attend. With its modern facilities, impressive scale, and top‑tier racing talent, Norwood Arena is poised to become a major attraction not only for local fans but for racing enthusiasts across New England.

A Landmark Moment for Norwood

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.

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