Day After Mayor Said Race Is A Go, Fans Banned From Grand Prix

Editor's note: This event has since been canceled.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — It was an event intended to celebrate the kickoff of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend.

Instead, St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman shared some somber news at the Grand Prix flag-raising ceremony at City Hall Thursday morning. He announced that the city is cancelling general admission to the race.

The news was in stark contrast to an optimistic media conference Kriseman gave Wednesday in which he assured fans that the race would go on despite fears about the coronavirus.

"Yesterday I said the situation regarding the coronavirus was fluid. I said that for a reason," said Kriseman. "Since yesterday, we've learned of a coronavirus case at an open-air event similar to ours, Bike Week. Then, at an EMS conference across the bay from us. The World Health Organization has since called this a global pandemic."

Kriseman said he regrets closing the race to the public but said he feels it's in everyone's best interests.

"My most important job is public safety and health," he said. "It is for that reason that we are canceling general attendance at the Grand Prix. We are working with the promoters and IndyCar and will have more announcements later as to whether the race itself will run. I don't make this decision lightly. I strongly believe life must carry on, as best we are able. But the reality now is that's just not possible. I am disappointed. I love this race. But I love this city and our residents more. Thank you for your trust."

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Among the events cancelled is Thursday night's Party in the Park and fireworks display at North Straub Park with a meet-and-greet with the drivers, food trucks and giveaways. The city will also cancel its Grand Prix Movie in the Park Friday night.

There's no word yet on whether the eighth annual Modern Business Associates 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will take place Friday.

As of now, the races are still scheduled Saturday and Sunday but only sponsors, VIP ticket holders, race crews and race personnel will be permitted in the venue.

This is the 16th year that downtown St. Pete has been transformed into a temporary 1.8-mile circuit with 14 turn configurations for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which kicks off the NTT IndyCar Series season each year.

The event attracts more than 150,000 people each year and has a more than $40 million impact on Tampa Bay.

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