Dan Wheldon's Funeral to Draw Big Crowds

ST. PETERSBURG – The public is invited to the memorial service for racing champion Dan Wheldon Saturday in downtown St. Petersburg. But organizers are warning supporters and fans it is unlikely there is room in the church to accommodate them.

The family is asking that people who wish to bid farewhell to the Indy 500 winner line the sidewalks to watch the funeral procession following the 10 a.m.

The service is expected to end at 10:45 a.m. Burial will be private.

Wheldon, a St. Petersburg resident, died Sunday in a 15-car pileup during a race in Las Vegas. Family and friends will say goodbye to Wheldon Saturday during the memorial service, which also is open to the public.

But seating will be granted first to family, friends and Wheldon's associates in the the motorsports world. The family has also requested that no cameras or video recording devices be brought into the church. Organizers say it is unlikely that the church will be able to accommodate everyone who shows up.

Members of the community wishing to observe the service are invited to gather at Seventh Ave. N.E. and Beach Dr. Saturday morning. Guests will be accommodated inside the church, as space allows, once invited guests have been seated.

Fans and supporters have a better chance of viewing the procession after the funeral service ends at 10:45 a.m.

The public is invited to line sidewalks along Fifth Ave. N., from Beach Drive NE to the Coliseum to view the procession as it passes by enroute to a private burial. 

Parking and Detours

• There is parking in surrounding neighborhoods along the procession route. But there is no parking at the Coliseum due to the Sunshine Antiques and Collectibles Show.

• Motorists should expect traffic delays and minor road closings around the church and along Fifth Avenue NE to I-375 through late afternoon. 

• Eighth Avenue NE will be closed to traffic from Beach Drive to North Shore Drive NE to accommodate invited guests.

• Through traffic will be allowed on Seventh Avenue NE, though there will be no on-street parking.

• No Parking signs will be posted and meters bagged in affected areas to advise motorists of the parking restrictions. Police will also be present to assist with traffic/pedestrian flow. 

• Two blocks south, about 2,500 people are expected to participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Vinoy Park beginning at 9 a.m.  Delays and minor traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area until the walk concludes at approximately 1 p.m.

• There is parking on surrounding streets at BayWalk, 100 First Ave. S., which is about a seven-minute walk from the church. Parking at the BayWalk Garage costs $1 for the first four hours and $1 for each additional hour, up to a six-hour maximum.