After weeks of putting up baracades and fences and re-routing traffic downtown, the Grand Prix finally revs up Friday. To “embrace the race” the city is flying a flag over City Hall celebrating the Firestone Grand Prix.
St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman applauded the efforts of city staff and race teams in preparing for the three-day race event before raising a white flag with an image of two crossed checkered flags, a city crest and “St. Petersburg” printed on it.
“This is a huge event. Behind the scenes there are so many things that are going on,” Kriseman said.
Indeed there are. The Grand Prix road race spans actual city streets throughout downtown around the Dali Museum and Mahaffey Theater and along the waterfront past USF St. Pete, Demens Landing and up to Central Avenue.
Parking for the Dali Museum had to be moved. Traffic around the area of Southeast downtown had to be rerouted. Employees of businesses nearby have felt the squeeze of decreased parking.
But despite the inconveniences associated with hosting a three-day race that literally shuts down local roads for several weeks, Kriseman said businesses are embracing the race like never before.
“It’s not just us here in city hall who are excited,” Kriseman said. “We have over 100,000 fans who come and spend the weekend here … it gives us a chance to really show off the beauty of this city.”
He said the only thing about the race that disappoints him is that it ends on Sunday.
Kriseman was joined in raising the Grand Prix flag by St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce President Chris Steinocher, who shared in the enthusiasm of the race.
“When we put this flag up we’re going to make sure everybody understands St. Pete is open,” he said.
The race could bring some pretty heavy attention to the city. It’s being broadcast nationally on ABC affiliates and internationally on ESPN.
The race features three separate divisions – USF2000, Pro Mazda and Indy Lights. USF2000 is the first of three official steps on the Mazda road to Indy. Pro Mazda is the second step and Indy Lights is the final.
Races start early Friday morning with USF2000 kicking off the first practice at 8 a.m. The first race is the Pirelli World Challenge GTS at 10:15. Practices and races continue through 7 p.m. with a 5k run at 7:15.
Saturday also kicks off early with race qualification beginning at 8. The first race is at 10:15 with USF2000 drivers. Races continue through 6:30 p.m.
Sunday gets started just a touch later with the first USF2000 race beginning at 8:55 a.m. The main event, the Verizon IndyCar Series, is at 3 and ends at 6.
Parking will be difficult. Drivers are encouraged to park at Tropicana Field and take a free shuttle to the race.
St. Pete is staging multiple bike racks at the race entrance.
The list of items prohibited inside the race is longer than the list of allowed items. Some things to leave at home include alcohol, coolers, grills, folding chairs, noisemakers, banners, professional photography and recording equipment, inflatables and large bags.
Some items approved to bring along include binoculars, purses, backpacks and other small bags, seat cushions, strollers and handheld devices like phones and tablets.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 1-877-725-8849.
More information is on the St. Pete Grand Prix website.
