First-Of-Its-Kind Theme Park Revs Up for 2-Day Grand Opening in Florida This Saturday

Photo by Lead Foot City (@leadfootcity) | Instagram

While there is something truly magical about the grandeur of Disney World Orlando, the price tag is...not so magical. That may have you considering one of the other popular theme parks in Florida for a more affordable day of fun. But if you're tired of your usual haunts and you happen to be a car enthusiast, you may be excited to know that a new, members-only theme park will be racing its way into the Sunshine State with a 2-day grand opening celebration starting this weekend.

The new park in question — Lead Foot City; set to be the first of its kind, the theme park boasts a classic car and drag race theme that will let you put your pedal to the metal with a handful of high-octane attractions on the first two opening days, Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22. However, their website does show additional offerings on the track for opening at a later date, including 4x4 off-roading trails, Lake Lead Foot, and The Carcade.

Current ready-to-rev attractions include the 8th Street Dragstrip, Achilles Arena Drifting & Motorsports Area, Send it Square Burnout Pit, and Overdrive Amphitheater, alongside a climate-controlled convention center with a lineup of on-site restaurants, bars, lounges and speakeasies, as well as bathrooms, and an event space.

At the 8th Street Dragstrip, would-be speed-racers can zip down an 1/8 mile concrete drag strip, approximately 660 feet, in their own personal vehicle; even in mom's mini-van, so long as it meets the safety and tech requirements. Crafted with street car and racing enthusiests in mind, the track was designed to create the feel of being on an actual city street in the middle of the city.

Those looking to get behind the wheel will need to be a member with a valid "driver" wristband, and register to participate through the online portal calendar. Membership to Lead Foot City comes in both a free "Tourist" and paid "Citizen" offering, providing additional discounts, and perks to its paid members.

Drivers must also abide by a dress-code and follow safety requirements in order to ride, including long pants, shoes and socks, and a relaxed fit shirt. Shirts cannot be tank tops, and shoes must be closed-toed. If your car runs faster than 8.99 seconds in the eighth-mile, you will need a helmet; however, Lead Foot City encourages all participants to helmet up. Convertibles quicker than 8.25 seconds in the eighth-mile, and open concept vehicles, such as T-tops, quicker than 7.35 in the eighth of a mile must meet NHRA roll-bar and roll-cage requirements.

At the Achilles Arena, drifters will have 2 pads to choose from — a 120x120 full concrete burnout pit for exhibition type use for burnouts, donuts, and more, and a larger nearly 5-acre pad of asphalt that is currently one of the largest pads in the country for drifting and autocross. The arena has a 5 mph max pit speed, and will require vehicles to pass a tech inspection, alongside a list of additional rules, and safety requirements that all participants must abide by.

Send It Square is exactly what it sounds like — a 14,000 square foot pit where you can just SEND IT, and legally smoke your tires during the week or an event. Similarly to the other attractions, the burnout pit will require registration to participate in, a passsed tech inspection on the participating vehicle, and the following of rules and guidelines for safety.

Those who enjoy live music will want to make their way over to the Overdrive Amphitheater. Lead Foot City's Grand Opening Celebration will feature two live bands playing tunes from 6 pm to 8 pm, A Led Zepplin Tribute group on Saturday, December 21st, and a No Doubt & Gwen Stefani Tribute group on Sunday, December 22nd, included in the event ticket pricing.

Tickets to the Grand Opening Celebration start at $25 for single-day attendance for adults, while a weekend pass will run you $40. Kids tickets are $10 a pop for the single-day offering or $15 for the weekend pass. Those wanting to go VIP and gain access to the Mayor's Lair Speakeasy will need to be 18 or older with a $125 ticket cost. The VIP lounge features a cash bar with swanky songs from the Harrison Jazz Ensemble on the celebration's set list.

The Grand Opening's schedule of events will be split up over the two days, with Saturday, December 21st including the Drag Racing and Domestic Vehicle Showcase, and Sunday, December 22nd featuring the Drifting and Burnout Event with a Tuner Showcase.

Those hoping to go beyond spectating by participating in the events or showcases will need to register to be a member online prior to Grand Opening day and further register for the events. Racers, display vehicles, and vendor admission will start at 8 am and end at 11:30 am both days. Doors will open for general admission starting at 12 pm, noon.

In an interview with ABC Action News, theme park creator, Achilles Thomas, told interviewers that he believes the concept will also lend a hand in helping to reduce illegal street racing across Tampa Bay — which is now a third-degree felony in the Sunshine State.

"It's not safe, it endangers people, and street racing is...not really good all the way around," said Thomas. "People get killed. They get injured."

As of publication, tickets to the Grand Opening Event are still available, but almost sold out. However, those who miss the grand opening will still have plenty of opportunity to visit the park at a later date, and can plan their future trip by registering for a free or paid membership account and viewing the online portal's calendar of upcoming events.

Lead Foot City is located at 17109 Old Ayers Rd, Brooksville, FL 34604. Those with additional questions about the new theme park, its offerings, memberships, rules, and future events are encouraged to contact the main office by phone at 844-532-3366, open Monday through Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.

Article by Rachael Volpe