In 1958, John Bandimere Sr. purchased a parcel of land on the west side of Denver nestled up against the Hogback leading up to the Rocky Mountains. He and his family began the process of constructing a small but efficient drag strip that was to be used to augment their auto parts business. It also was the fulfillment of a dream of John Sr.'s to provide a safe environment for young people to learn about cars and race them off the streets.
Now, nearly 50 years later, the only thing at Bandimere Speedway that has not changed is the facility's location. Nearly every original building has been replaced including the original spark plug-replica timing tower and the event schedule has grown nearly 10 times its original size to host a variety of specialty events, including the NHRA POWERade Mopar Mile-High Nationals.
The most significant change to the facility was in 1988 when the Bandimere family made the decision to undergo a much-needed $4 million improvement project which included a year sabbatical on the national event circuit. The many facility improvements allowed for diversity of events, more spectator seating, better pit areas for race vehicles, improved spectator parking and access to all areas of the facility, and an unsurpassed venue for sponsor involvement with improved sign visibility. The ability to host larger spectator events added a tremendous amount of exposure opportunities for the facility and its sponsors. Seating capacity of the grandstands was increased from approximately 8,000 to over 23,500.
Overall Experience Parking Traffic ViewThere is only one road that passes Bandimere, so entry is a bit slow. And...we had to park far away from the raceway, and pay $10. However, the speedway itself is great. You have access to virtually all parts of the raceway. And...the views from the west-side grandstands are awesome!
Denver
Denver is a city with 300 days of annual sunshine, year-round adventure and the Rocky Mountains rising in the background. From a thriving arts and culture scene, attractions and endless shopping possibilities, to nationally recognized chefs, exciting nightlife and abundant outdoor recreation, Denver is known as the “Mile High City.”
Known for its outstanding steaks (serving both Colorado beef and bison), Denver now has a wide selection of Latin fusion and Asian fusion restaurants, as well every other type of cuisine. Seafood is flown in fresh daily from Mexico and both coasts.
Denver is the largest city in Rocky Mountain region and is the shopping capital of the Rocky Mountains. With nearly 500 department stores, boutiques and galleries, the Cherry Creek Shopping District is the largest and most varied shopping experience between St. Louis and San Francisco. There’s always something to do in Denver. The city has more than 40 museums and historic attractions, from Buffalo Bill’s Grave & Museum to the new Denver Art Museum.
Getting to Denver
Denver International Airport (DIA) (www.flydenver.com) is a convenient, full-service airport with the new terminals. With spacious, modern, passenger-friendly terminals, DIA is less congested and thereby very efficient – on the runways, at the gates and at the centralized car rental center. However, it is located away from the city, so you will have to rent a car or pay a hefty cab fare to get into town.
What to Do
Black American West Museum & Heritage Center (www.blackamericanwestmuseum.com)
Founded in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, the Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving and disseminating the contributions of Blacks in the Old West. While famous for telling the story of Black cowboys, the museum is rich with the stories of several early Blacks who came west and performed as miners, soldiers, homesteaders, ranchers, blacksmiths, schoolteachers, lawmen, and every other profession needed to build up the West. Open Tues-Sat 10-5pm. Adults, $8; seniors (65 and over), $7; children (12 and under), $6. Located at 3091 California Street, Denver, CO, 80205; (303) 292-2566.
The Denver Art Museum (www.denverartmuseum.org)
The Denver Art Museum is a 356,000-square-foot museum complex that includes collection gallery space, three temporary exhibition venues, and the Lewis I. Sharp Auditorium. In addition to their art collections, the Denver Art Museum is internationally recognized for our family-friendly environment, and has received critical acclaim for encouraging art appreciation through interactive activities.
Continuing a legacy of bold architecture, the DAM commissioned architect Daniel Libeskind to design an expansion that would accommodate our growing collections and programs. The 146,000-square-foot Hamilton Building opened to the public in 2006. The Hamilton Building's design recalls the peaks of the Rocky Mountains and geometric rock crystals found in the foothills near Denver. See website for admission prices. Open Tue–Thurs 10-5pm; Fri 10-10 pm; Sat 10-5pm; Sun noon-5pm; Closed Mon. Located at 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204; (720) 865-5000.
Butterfly Pavilion (www.butterflies.org)
Founded in 1995 as the first stand-alone non-profit insect zoo in the nation, The Butterfly Pavilion is a 30,000 square foot facility situated on an 11-acre campus. The Butterfly Pavilion combines science education with hands-on fun to teach visitors about invertebrates, science and conservation. The interactive exhibits are geared primarily towards families with kids ages 2 to 12 years old, but people of all ages embrace the beauty and wonder of our tropical conservatory filled with 1,200 free-flying butterflies imported from around the globe. Open daily 9-4:15 pm. Adults, $7.95; kids (3-12), $4.95; seniors (62+), $5.95; kids under 3 are free. Located at 6252 West 104th Ave., Westminster, CO 80020; (303) 469-5441.
Coors Brewery Tour (www.coors.com/about_tour.asp)
Come see and taste traditional brewing in the Rocky Mountains! Since 1873 Coors brewing has thrived on a legacy of quality, innovation and customer service. The newly upgraded tour includes a 45-minute walk through our malting, brewing and packaging processes, sampling of Coors fine products in our hospitality lounge and shopping in the Coors & Co. gift shop. Product samples are limited in quantity and available only to those 21 years and older with valid ID. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. No large bags of any kind permitted on tour. Tour hours are 10-4pm, Mon-Sat (closed Sundays). Tours are free and operate continuously throughout the day on a first come first served basis. Located at 13th & Ford Streets, Golden, CO 80401; (866) 812-2337.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center (www.redrocksonline.com)
Nestled in the Rocky Mountain Foothills fifteen miles west of Denver, there stands a symbol of nature's unparalleled majesty. Red Rocks is a geologically formed, open-air Amphitheatre that is not duplicated anywhere in the world. With Mother Nature as the architect, the design of the Amphitheatre consists of two, three hundred-foot monoliths that provide acoustic perfection for any performance. The visitor center has gallery of artists that have played there, from The Beatles, to Eric Clapton, to Nine Inch Nails.
The area of Red Rocks, originally known as the Garden of Angels, has attracted the attention of musical performers since before the turn of the century. The majestic setting of the Amphitheatre, along with the panoramic view of Denver, makes for a breathtaking scene. Located at 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465; (720) 865-2494.
The Garden of the Gods (www.gardenofgods.com)
The park got its name in 1859 when two surveyors were exploring nearby locations; they came upon an area of sandstone formations. M.S. Beach, who related this incident, suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion, Rufus Cable, a "young and poetic man", exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods." It has been so called ever since.
The Garden of the Gods Park is a Registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. Open 5am-11pm in the summer and 5am-9pm in the winter. The Visitor & Nature Center is open from 9-5pm in the winter months and 8-8pm, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Both the Park and Visitor Center are Free and open to the public. Located in Colorado Springs, Exit #146 from I-25.
Shopping
16th Street Mall – Downtown (http://www.downtowndenver.com/BID/documents/16thStreetBrochure_4.pdf)
The 16th Street Mall is the primary shopping and entertainment strip of Downtown Denver. The centerpiece of Downtown Denver is the 16th Street Mall, the 16-block long pedestrian and transit mall that serves as the retail core of Downtown Denver. Seating areas along the Mall's tree-lined median and adjacent to cafes and restaurants attract pedestrian activity year-round.
The 16th Street Mall is a pedestrian walkway, but also features the FREE 16th Street Mall shuttle. These special buses stop at every corner between Broadway and Wynkoop Street in Lower Downtown, making your trips up and down the Mall and around Downtown Denver quick and easy.
Cherry Creek Shopping Center and Cherry Creek North
Cherry Creek Shopping Center (www.shopcherrycreek.com) is a lavishly appointed shopping center in the heart of Denver. With a total of 160 shops, restaurants and services, Cherry Creek is Denver's premier shopping destination. This world-class shopping center features renowned stores such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy's, Tiffany & Co., Elway's Restaurant, and Burberry. Open Mon-Fri 10-9pm; Sat 10-9pm; Sun 11-6pm. Located at 3000 East First Avenue, Denver, CO 80206; (303) 388-3900.
Across the street from the Cherry Creek Shopping Center is the area knows as Cherry Creek North (www.cherrycreeknorth.com). Cherry Creek North is a 16-block shopping and dining neighborhood with the region’s largest collection of independently owned boutiques, restaurants and galleries. The 320 galleries, boutiques, restaurants and salons/spas throughout Cherry Creek North surround Fillmore Plaza, the location of numerous community events including Films on Fillmore (Summer) and the nationally renowned Cherry Creek Arts Festival.
Park Meadows Shopping Center (www.parkmeadows.com)
Park Meadows combines the best of the Colorado outdoors with 160 of the finest retailers and restaurants. These top names include Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn Kids, Sundance, Planet Funk, John Atencio, Janie and Jack, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, California Café, and The Cheesecake Factory as well as 12 eateries in the Dining Hall. Open Mon-Sat 10-9pm, Sun 11-6pm. Located at 8401 Park Meadows Center Dr, Lone Tree, CO, 80124; (303) 792-2533.
Rich in Colorado history, Denver's oldest restaurant has been serving up a unique menu of wild game and steak in a rustic elegant, old west atmosphere for over 100 years. The menu features steak, buffalo, elk and a host of other rarities. This historic steakhouse …
Since the Imperial Chinese Restaurant made its debut in 1985, it has become, quite simply, the standard by which all other Denver Chinese cuisine is judged. Owner Johnny Hsu, who has created a tradition of large scale, fine Asian establishments and owns the exquiste Palace …
alto, located in the heart of LoDo at 15th and Larimer (adjacent to Larimer Square), serves contemporary fine cuisine, fine wines and specialty cocktails presented in a warm, lively and upscale atmosphere. We feature live music every week. alto is the ideal venue to meet …
Housed in the historic J.S. Brown Mercantile building, the Wynkoop Brewing Company led the way in the resurgence of Lower Downtown. The interior boasts a warm Colorado pub feel with its hardwood floors, thick timber pillars and pressed tin ceilings. Throw in plenty of great …
Since opening our doors in 1982, Marlowe's remains one of Denver's most popular gathering spots for lunch, dinner or after work. Marlowe's prides itself on being locally owned and operated since its inception. We feel a commitment to our community and a responsibility to create …
A cluster of cottages surrounds the stone mansion. Built by the founder of the town, George Morrison. This is a gated one acre garden retreat with vine covered patios, affording privacy in the center of the village and is one of the best historical sites …
Once the home of Morrison's own turn-of-the-century country doctor, Dr. Frank Luce, later Lila Horton's own childhood home, history pervades every corner of the dwelling and grounds. So exquisitely restored and furnished, you'll think you've stepped into a museum - or back in time a …
The Hotel Monaco, a sophisticated and stylish hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado provides an eclectic luxury hotel experience that invites guests to "indulge your senses." Capturing historic Denver with the renovation of two landmark buildings into one, the Hotel Monaco, a Kimpton Hotel, is within …
Welcome to the premier all-suite hotel in downtown Denver, the Burnsley All-Suite Hotel. Gracious and inviting, the Burnsley Hotel offers the charming intimacy of a European-style inn - uniquely set in the heart of downtown Denver, Colorado. Rich in history and luxury, each suite of …
Welcome to the Rocky Mountains! "Make It Hampton" at the Hampton Inn Denver-West/Golden hotel! We are 15 minutes from downtown Denver, Colorado with easy access to I-70, the Rocky Mountains, and numerous wedding venues! Local attractions include Red Rocks Amphitheater, NREL, Denver Federal Center, Coors …
