This Sunday, downtown St. Petersburg starts to look more like a street-legal speed zone when construction gets underway for the 10th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Kicking off the 18-race IndyCar Series, the March 28-30 event brings more than 100,000 spectators from around the world to St. Petersburg for three days of fast cars, world-class drivers and plenty of sunshine.
At 7 a.m. Sunday, crews will begin laying the first phase the 1.8 mile, 14-turn road course, better known as the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, from Bayshore Dr. and First Ave. S. to Albert Whitted Park.
Motorists and pedestrians can expect race-related street closures and detours downtown from Albert Whitted Airport to north of Pioneer Park until approximately April 11.
Albert Whitted Park has closed to motorized and foot traffic and will remain closed until mid-April. To ensure safety, race officials and St. Petersburg. Police urge everyone to observe posted signage warning against entering closed construction sites.
The Mahaffey Theater, Dali Museum, Al Lang Stadium, Albert Whitted Airport will remain open and accessible to patrons and employees, including the FAA, during the first phases of track construction.
Beginning Monday, March 24, parking lots at the Mahaffey Theater and Dali will close, tentatively reopening on April 3. Dali Museum parking will relocate to the Dolphin lot from March 24-26 and March 31-April 2 with complimentary shuttle transportation.
Mayor Rick Kriseman and the St. Petersburg Chamber are urging residents and business owners to Embrace the Race’ and spread a little sunshine by showing visitors some speedy Southern hospitality.
