Countdown clock unveiled at Sky Harbor as Phoenix pitches NASCAR, NCAA and tourism benefits

City officials and event organizers on Oct. 7 unveiled a countdown clock at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to mark the run‑up to NASCAR championship weekend (Oct. 31–Nov. 2) and to draw attention to the upcoming 2026 Women’s Final Four.

Chad McCuskey, Phoenix’s aviation director, emceed the event and introduced Latasha Kazi, president of Phoenix Raceway, who thanked partners and encouraged fans to buy tickets at phoenixraceway.com. Kazi and other speakers said NASCAR will draw fans from all 50 states and dozens of countries, and the event will provide major visitor traffic through Sky Harbor.

Alex Gelbzer Ridgeway, the interim director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, said the weekend represents an economic engine for the region and told the audience the state expects about 40,000 race fans per day during the three‑day weekend and estimated visitor spending figures used to justify broader tourism promotion. Avondale Councilmember Max White and Visit Phoenix CEO Ron Preuss described the regional coordination required to host several hundred thousand visitors and the local economic boost for hotels, restaurants and small businesses.

Mayor Gallego called Phoenix "Championship Valley" and cited a citywide economic‑impact figure presented during remarks; speakers emphasized that out‑of‑town attendees help fill hotel rooms, restaurants and other businesses. Organizers also noted that many ancillary events are family friendly and free, and the countdown clock will also track days until the Women’s Final Four tip‑off.

The event combined ceremonial remarks with promotional outreach for the city’s tourism partners; no council action was taken as part of the segment.