The Firestone Grand Prix returns to the streets of St. Petersburg this weekend.
The event, comprised of 13 races, will run from March 10-12. Every year since 2009 it has served as the season opener of the Verizon IndyCar series.
According to Motosports Travel, “Incorporating the streets of downtown St. Petersburg Florida, this race is the IndyCar version of Monaco with glamour and yachts in abundance.”
The racetrack stretches 1.8 miles. It’s a 14-turn circuit that circles the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dalí Museum and Pioneer Park before stretching onto part of the runway of Albert Whitted Airport.
Gates open at 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 a.m. Sunday. The track is set up near Albert Whitted Airport at First Street Southeast. Tickets run anywhere from $20 to $135 depending on the selection (general admission, grandstand or paddock pass) and the day.
Single-day general admission tickets are $20 for Friday, $35 for Saturday and $50 for Sunday. Or you can opt to go with the three-day pass for $55.
The Firestone Grand Prix 5k will also take place on March 10, which will see runners put sneakers on the same track as the Indycar drivers. The race begins at 6:15 a.m. and requires a $35 registration fee that will benefit the Police Athletics League.
There are a variety of parking options for the event. City parking garages are $5 all day on Friday as a special event rate. Saturday and Sunday will be $15.
Parking is also available in Lots 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field for $10. A free shuttle will pick passengers up on 16th Street S. and drop them off at Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S. The shuttle will run between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The two entry gates to the race course can be found at First Avenue S. and First Street S., as well as Fifth Avenue S. and Second Street S.
More information on tickets and parking can be found at www.gpstpete.com
