FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG
March 13, 14, 15, 2020
Round #1 – 2020 Season
GENERAL INFO – For the 10th consecutive year, this Florida spring break racing tradition is the opening event on INDYCAR’s annual calendar. The temporary waterfront street circuit uses a combination of city streets and a runway from the Albert Whitted Airport in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. When entering the track, you will go thru airport like metal detection security. Once inside the venue, to get to the infield portion of the course, you walk up temporary crossovers (appx. 20+ steep steps) over the city street, where racing is below you! Limited shade at this venue with scarce seating unless you have a grandstand ticket. General admission gets you in, as does a credential, but neither provides entry to any grandstand.
Coke products ae sold along with many beer brands. Limited hard liquor drinks are also available. A variety of food vendors with diversified menus are on site. You cannot bring food or beverages into the venue. Hot weather typically dominates this event, but pack some disposable rain gear, too. Moderate amount of walking to tour the course, mostly flat surfaces, some concrete sidewalks. Wear comfortable shoes and pack as light as possible. Don’t forget the sunscreen and a hat. Florida sun can burn your skin in 12 minutes of direct sun exposure. Early entry is recommended, as the metal detection process slows the lines. On site, 95% of the facilities are port-a-johns. The St. Pete GP is also known as the “Fastest Spring Break!”
Seven professional racing series will be on the track for the weekend. IndyCar, Indy Lights, USF 2000, Indy Pro 2000, Porsche GT3 Cup, SROGT4, SRO TCR. No shortage of racing action. With that many and different types of racing cars, there are cars on the track nearly every minute of the weekend. Dates for this event have been established thru and including 2024. Plan on attending this year and many years ahead.
Recommend you have a hotel reservation before you arrive. This is spring break for St. Pete, availability of rooms can be scarce. The room rates may be higher than normal and food prices tend to increase during special events.
SPECIFIC LOCATION – Downtown St. Petersburg, FL.
TRACK WEBSITE – gpstpete.com
TRACK CONFIGURATION – 1.8 miles, 14 turns; 5 lefts and 9 rights. Temporary street course.
PREFERRED AIRPORTS – Tampa International (TPA), about 30 miles north and east of the track. St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE), about 14 miles north of the track.
PARKING – Expect to pay $10-$20 daily for parking downtown. Parking lots and garages are easy walking distance to the track entry gates. Friday is a workday for locals, so parking is sometimes difficult to find, but many downtown offices close at noon on Friday. The later in the day, the parking becomes easier. Parking is also available with a shuttle to the track from Tropicana Field, located just off Interstate 275, follow directional signs. Lots 1 and 2 is $10 daily to park, including shuttle ride to and from the track, credit card only to pay. Shuttles run from 7 am to 10 pm and are ADA accessible. You will exit the shuttle at Gate 5 at the track. With paid parking, shuttles are complimentary.
CREDENTIALS – Track and IndyCar credentials are at an off-site location. Rococo Steak, 655 2nd AV So., St. Petersburg, 33701.IndyCar paddock passes are redeemed inside the track at the Mahaffey Theatre, which is the largest cement building inside the venue. It is located on the easterly portion of the track. Once inside the venue, follow the signs. Junior credentials for kids 12 and under are available for sale. Junior credentialed kids must be accompanied by adult upon entry and on site. Closed toed shoes are required for pit entry with a credential at least on Sunday. Sometimes during the weekend, the closed toed shoe rule not is not enforced. Refer to entry points tab for a hint.
ENTRY POINTS – Metal detectors are at all gates which slows the entry line dramatically, even with a credential. All items are subject to search, similar to airport security. You don’t have to remove your shoes, but you must empty your pockets. Put cell phones, money, etc. in your bag before you get to the detector. If you have a credential, enter at Gate 8, southern most entry. You will enter quicker (fewer people) with a security wand check, a quick bag check, no full body scanner. Your entry here is the closest to the pits and paddock. You will have to wait until cars are off the track, as you will walk across the track surface to get inside the venue. Refer to category on prohibited items. Travel as light as possible. Handicap accessibility info can be found on track website at gpstpete.com.
TICKET INFO – 1-888-476-4479. Website is gpstpete.com for pricing and availability for reserved grandstand seats. Ticket options include 3 day general admission and single day tickets are available. A general admission or credential does not allow admission to any grandstand. Highly recommended to purchase online and print tickets at home, avoiding the ticket booth entirely. Ticket booth lines get backed up, as do pickup windows. Will call window is at Gate 5 ticket booth at 5th AV So and 2nd St.
PROHIBITED ITEMS – No food or drinks are allowed to be brought into the track, this includes alcohol beverages. (Hint: bring an empty water bottle with you to fill up once inside.) Audio and video recording devices are prohibited. No chairs or stadium seats are allowed in. Service animals only, leashed at all times. Leave golf carts, roller skates, skateboards, Segways, bicycles and scooters at home, you will be denied entry with them. Keep strollers as small as possible, as you must carry them up and down 20+ very steep steps at temporary crossovers. Small umbrellas are acceptable.
CAMPING – No traditional camping is permitted, as you are downtown of a major city. Very pricey limited RV spots and yacht docking is available. Refer to website gpstpete.com for details.
RESTAURANT OPTIONS – St Petersburg, FL is a major tourist destination. Seafood is featured at many establishments, and much of it is fresh. Downtown St. Pete along the waterfront known as Tampa Bay are many restaurants ranging in a variety of food choices. Also smaller bars and businesses are on side (east/west) streets, some with outside dining. Many choices within walking distance from the track. Expect to pay to park anywhere downtown. West of St. Pete is the Gulf of Mexico beaches such as St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, So Pasadena, Madeira Beach, all which are full of hotels, condos and restaurants from the ice cream stands to fine dining. Lots of choices, great food, too!
QUESTIONS? – gpstpete.com or 1-317-650-2400.
Submitted by Judy Bickel, IndyCar Nation member
6.8.0