Security In Place For Firestone Grand Prix Of St. Petersburg: City

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — With 100,000 to 150,000 Indycar fans visiting downtown this weekend for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, safety and security is at the forefront for local law enforcement.

Racing takes place Friday, 7:55 a.m. to 6:35 p.m.; Saturday, 7:55 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

"We will have a full staff of officers in uniform and undercover working the entire event," St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said, according to a news release.

The city is being supported by federal and state law enforcement partners during the event,
including St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, FBI, Florida Highway Patrol, United States Coast Guard and Tampa Bomb Squad.

The venue will be monitored by land, water and air.

Refillable water containers, cameras, service animals and personal bags no larger than a backpack will be allowed in the stands/seating area, the city said. Weapons and coolers aren’t permitted.

There will be security checks at entry.

Attendees are encouraged to let law enforcement know if they see anything suspicious. They can call the St. Petersburg Police Department at 727-893-7780 or text "SPPD" and a tip to 847-411 (TIP-411).

Spectators are urged to arrive early each day because of expected heavy traffic.

Parking will be available at Tropicana Field in Lots 1 and 2 for $15 per day. There will be a free shuttle service from the stadium to the race course with pick-up on 10th Street S. and drop-off at Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S.

The Grand Prix is also accessible by riding the free Downtown Looper bus and the free Sunrunner bus.