Busch Clash Returns to the LA Coliseum
NASCAR was so pleased by its inaugural Busch Light Clash at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum last February that it’s going to try for two, announcing the start of the Cup Series’ 2023 season on February 5th with the exhibition race. As was the case last February, FOX will broadcast the event.
This non-points-paying race will be one of three visits to California for NASCAR’s premier Cup Series; it will also race at Auto Club Speedway and returns to this past weekend’s venue, Sonoma Raceway. The balance of the 2023 season’s events will be announced at a later date.
A large and enthusiastic crowd showed up to see NASCAR’s stars compete on a quarter-mile asphalt track that was constructed above the football field that has hosted nearby USC’s collegiate games, as well as NFL contests over the years. The Memorial Coliseum, a memorial to all who served in the United States’ armed forces during the first World War, holds 77,500 people within its bowl; NASCAR did not utilize all of those seats last year and it’s unknown whether they will next time around.
“Our entire industry made a bold move by bringing the Busch Light Clash to the L.A. [Memorial] Coliseum this past February and it paid off by becoming an instant classic with both new and existing fans,” said Ben Kennedy, senior vice president of racing development and strategy for NASCAR. “We are intent on showcasing our sport and drivers on the biggest stage, and there is none bigger than the L.A. Coliseum. We’re thrilled to return to the heart of Los Angeles to officially start the season and set the stage for the Daytona 500,” which is held two weeks after the Clash.
The transformation of the Coliseum’s football field to a racetrack appeared seamless to the more than 50,000 fans who came to the exhibition race in 2022. NASCAR noted that a about 70 percent of ticket buyers had never been to a NASCAR race before; it was the highest viewed Busch Light Clash since 2016 and featured more than 30 corporate sponsors including, of course, NASCAR’s premier partner for this event, Busch Light beer.
For decades,” said Krystyn Stowe Head of marketing for Busch Family Brands at parent firm Anheuser-Busch, “Busch Light has been a passionate supporter of NASCAR, and it is through races like the 2022 Busch Light Clash that we are able to bring unmatched motorsports experiences to our fans. This race provides a unique opportunity for us to engage with both new and lifelong fans in markets where demand for Busch Light is growing.”
Bill Wanger, FOX Sports executive vice president, head of programming and scheduling noted, “With more than four million viewers – and really breaking through in a pop culture mecca like Los Angeles – the inaugural Clash at the Coliseum did everything it was intended to do and then some. It energized the sport, delivered new eyeballs and kicked off the season in grand fashion. We can’t wait to do it all again in 2023.”
Tickets for the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum go on sale in early August, but in the meantime, fans can visit nascarclash.com in order to register for exclusive pre-sales offers. In addition, fans can voice their enthusiasm for this event on Twitter and Facebook using @nascarclash.