Photo by Alfi Storrs | The Crow’s Nest.
By Jorden Pompey
It is that time of the year again –– Firestone Grand Prix is taking over St. Petersburg. Next door to the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, the grand prix will take place from March 8 through March 10.
St. Petersburg has hosted the NTT IndyCar Series season opener since 2011. Last year’s winner Swedish NTT IndyCar series driver Marcus Ericsson will look to defend his title.
The Firestone Grand Prix starts practice on Friday, March 8, qualifying session Saturday, March 9 and the race is scheduled to commence at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.
There will be an NTT driver autograph session March 8 from 12:30 to 1:30
Outside of the big race, the street circuit will hold multiple events.
The entry level United States Formula (USF) 2000 will kick off it’s season on Friday March 8 with practice, a qualifying session and the first race by the afternoon. Race two will be held on Saturday, March 9 from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.
Next series up, the USF Pro 2000 have practice and qualifying March 8. Their first race of the season starts at 11:55 a.m. on March 9 and race two at 8 a.m. March 10.
The penultimate step before the NTT series is the IndyCar NXT series. The NXT series starts practice March 8 and qualifying March 9. The inaugural race will be held before the NXT race at 10:10 a.m.
The International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Racing SportsCar Challenge including LMP3 and GT4 cars makes its second stop of the season in our backyard as practice and qualifying starts March 8. Two 45-minute races are slated to take place March 9.
Parking is available at Tropicana Field in lot one and two, only west of 16th street for $15 by credit card only. Free buses and trolleys will transport guests from 16th Street to second Street. and fifth Avenue. South (Dali Blvd). Shuttle will run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 8, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on March 9 and 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 10.Sunday, March 10, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
The SunRunner will transport attendees for a discounted price of $10 for a 3-day event pass in the Flamingo Fares App.
The city of St. Petersburg provided a promo code for the discounted fares.
3 Day Event Pass: Code “RACE” $10
Group Pass (up to 4 riders): Code “RACE4” $3
Codes are case-sensitive. Expires 3/11 (FYI valid 3/4-3/11).
Ticket prices online:
General admission (Adult)
3-day pass- $70
Friday – $25
Saturday – $45
Sunday – $65
If IndyCars aren’t your speed here are some tips to navigate through the bustling area.
The following roads will be closed for the weekend:
- Sixth Avenue South, Fifth Avenue South, Fourth Avenue South and Second Avenue Southeast of Second Street will all be closed.
- First Avenue South and Central Avenue Southeast of First Street will be closed.
- Bayshore Drive south of Second Avenue Northeast is closed except for Demens Landing Traffic.
