Schedule taking shape for HOF grand opening

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR Hall of Fame officials announced a second free concert planned for the May 11 grand opening of the 150,000-square-foot entertainment attraction in uptown Charlotte, N.C.

About the Hall

The Hall of Fame will bring NASCAR's history to life and preserves that history in the appropriate environments. The facility will allow fans to have the opportunity to relive the sport's greatest moments.

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Country music singer/songwriter Lee Brice, a native of South Carolina, will perform a free concert at 2 p.m. ET on the Ceremonial Plaza of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Brice is currently touring with Clay Walker and has an album scheduled to release on June 8 featuring his current single Love Like Crazy. The Curb Records artist wrote Garth Brooks' More Than a Memory and Tim McGraw's Still.

"This grand opening is shaping up to be the can't-miss-event of the year for Charlotte," said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. "First we announced Love And Theft for the 7 p.m. concert and now Lee Brice. He is a talented artist who will definitely put on a great show for our guests and the community. This concert will be the highlight of our afternoon schedule and a perfect after-school activity. Families can stop by to enjoy Lee's music, meet NASCAR drivers, participate in kid-friendly activities and tour the NASCAR Hall of Fame."

Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. ET. The one-hour ceremony will culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the interactive venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by a free community celebration outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. In addition to Lee Brice and Love And Theft, other activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment and food vendors.

The star of the show that day will be the NASCAR Hall of Fame itself. Tickets to enter the high-tech, interactive attraction are on sale now and can be purchased at www.NASCARHall.com or by calling 877-231-2010. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Memberships provide unlimited entry for one year and start at $25 for children and $50 for adults. Group discounts, facility rentals and sponsorships also are available by calling 704-654-4400.