ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Stretched across a section of St. Petersburg’s downtown palm tree-lined streets, some of the fastest machines known to mankind will skid their way to the finish line at the 2024 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
If the sounds of torque and engine revs don’t excite you, the sight of the bay’s waterfront will make you take a trip downtown at least for a day to check out all the action.
When and where is the Firestone Grand Prix?
This year’s event will take place for three days from March 8-10, 2024, at Albert Whitted Park on Bayshore Drive in St. Petersburg.
Racers will zoom through roads enveloping Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts and The Salvador Dali Museum, which extends onto runways at Albert Whitted Airport. You can enjoy the view of the Tampa Bay waterfront from the airport and yacht club.
What is the Grand Prix of St Petersburg?
The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a string of races and events that kick off the 18-race IndyCar Series season, which ends in September.
Where do I buy tickets?
Tickets are available on the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg website. There are one, two and three-day passes, tiered and priced differently for adults and juniors.
Where do I park?
Parking will be available at Tropicana Field, lots 1 and 2 only. Click here for their parking map. The Grand Prix website says you may enter the parking lots from 5th Avenue S.
It will cost visitors $15 a day, credit card only.
A free shuttle service will take visitors from the field to the race course (from 10th Street S. to Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S.)
People are encouraged to check the city of St. Petersburg website for more public parking locations, including nearby garages and lots.
Is there food?
Yes! Various food options will be available at the Grand Prix. Whether you want to get your caffeine fix in between races at the Kahwa Coffee truck or taste the sauce at Boss Ross BBQ, you won’t be leaving the event without a bite to eat.
Additional information
- There are two entry gates to enter the event: Gate 1 (located at 1st Avenue S. and 1st Street S.) and Gate 5 (located at 5th Avenue S. and 2nd Street N.). You will be asked to open purses, backpacks or other bags to be checked, as well.
- Front-man of rock band Poison, Bret Michaels, will perform a live concert on Saturday, March 9, at Mahaffey Plaza. It will be after the checkered flag waves the day’s races goodbye.
- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bon Jovi will hop in the passenger seat of four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves' IndyCar "Fastest Seat in Sports" two-seater.
- Don't forget to bring some earplugs for loud noises to protect your hearing during races (earmuffs for kids).
- Paddock Passes are also available for those who want to see drivers get their cars ready to fly down the track. (A paddock is commonly compared to locker rooms for sports teams.)
- If you want to unload your bags and items during the day, you can find free Lockers varying in size in a pavilion at the Salvador Dali Museum.
*You can find the complete schedule of races and events during the Grand Prix here.