Firestone Grand Prix: What To Know Before You Go

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Racing fans don’t have to leave the Tampa Bay area to enjoy high-speed action. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg rolls in Friday and will stick around through Sunday.

The three-day racing spectacular takes place in downtown with a packed schedule of events. Here are a few things fans need to know before they go:

Road Closings

The race takes place on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn course in the downtown area. Streets that are closed to make way for the track include:

• First Street South from First Avenue South to Fifth Avenue South
• First Avenue South from First Street to Bayshore
• Beach Drive from Central Avenue to First Avenue South
• Bayshore Drive Southeast from Central Avenue to Dali Boulevard

The following streets will have limited access:

• Second Avenue South from First to Second Street
• Bayshore Drive Southeast from Second Avenue Northeast to Central Avenue
• First Street South from Fifth Avenue South to Eighth Avenue South
• Sixth Avenue South from First to Second Streets

All roads and areas affected by the Grand Prix are expected to reopen by March 26 with some major roads reopened by March 17.

Other Closings

• Albert Witted Park will be closed to pedestrian and bicycle traffic through March 26.
• The Dali Museum will be closed March 11-13
• The Mahaffey Theater will be closed March 11-13

The Schedule

Racing activities kick off bright and early Friday at 7:30 a.m. with a practice. The main events are as follows:

Friday

• 12:20 to 1:20 p.m. – Pirelli World Challenge GTS race No. 1
• 6:30 p.m. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg 5K

Saturday

• 8:40 to 9:20 a.m. – USF2000 race No. 1
• 9:35 to 10:35 a.m. – Pirelli World Challenge GT, GTA, GT Cup race No. 1
• 10:50 to 11:40 a.m. – Pro Mazda race No. 1
• Noon to 12:30 p.m. – USF2000 autograph session in Fan Village
• 12:55 to 1:45 p.m. – Indy Lights race No. 1
• 1:55 to 2:40 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series autograph session in Fan Village
• 2 to 2:40 p.m. USF200 race No. 2
• 2:55 to 3:25 p.m. – Stadium Super Trucks race No. 1
• 3 to 3:30 p.m. – Indy Lights autograph session in Fan Village
• 3:40 to 4:55 p.m. – Verizon Indycar Series qualifying and Firestone Fast 6
• 5:10 to 6 p.m. – Pirelli World Challenge GTS race No. 2

Sunday

• 9:45 to 10:55 a.m. – Indy Lights race No. 2
• 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. – Stadium Super Trucks race No. 2
• 11:30 to noon – Pro Mazda autograph session in Fan Village
• 12:06 to 12:45 p.m. – Pre-race ceremonies for Verizon IndyCar Series
• 12:45 to 2:50 p.m. – Verizon IndyCar Series with green flag at 12:52 p.m. approximately
• 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. – Pirelli World Challenge GT, GTA and GT Cup race No. 2
• 4:30 to 5:20 p.m. – Pro Mazda race No. 2

For a full schedule, visit the Grand Prix online.

Tickets

Ticket prices vary greatly based on day, seat and add-on packages. To find out more, visit the Grand Prix online.

Security

The St. Petersburg Police Department wants racing fans to know that newly enhanced security measures are in place. That means fans can “expect security measures similar to any major sporting
event, including walk through magnetometers at all entrances to the venue, bag screenings, and increased law enforcement presence,” the agency wrote in an email to media. “In addition, only marina residents and authorized boats will be allowed into the South Yacht Basin of the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina.”

For more information about the Grand Prix, visit its website.

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Photo courtesy of the City of St. Petersburg Facebook page