PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete is taking over St. Pete this weekend in a three-day event.
The St. Petersburg Police Department discussed the safety and security measures they will take ahead of the Firestone Grand Prix.
The event is happening from March 8 through March 10 in downtown St. Pete at Albert Whitted Park and will feature eight races.
WFLA.com has compiled a guide to make your experience at this event as smooth as possible.
Directions to Grand Prix
- From Tampa: I-275 south, I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
- From Clearwater: US-19 south, 54th Avenue Norteast, I-275 south, I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
- From south: I-275 north (Sunshine Skyway), I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
- For the most recent road closures, visit stpete.org.
Parking and shuttles
- Arrive early! Plan for heavy traffic as officials expect upwards of about 150,000 people to show up
- The City of St. Pete is providing parking spots at Tropicana Field in Lots 1 and 2
- A free shuttle service will be provided from Tropicana Field to the race course during scheduled hours (Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
- Guests can also park at City Parking Garage (SouthCore)
- Shuttle stops: 16th Street (between 3rd Avenue South and 4th Avenue South) and 2nd Street (between 6th Avenue South and 5th Avenue South)
- Guests may also take the SunRunner or the St. Petersbrug Trolley
- Click here to find where you can park
Entry
- Pre-load tickets to mobile apps in case of service disruptions
- Gate hours- Friday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
- Gate 1: 1st Avenue South and 1st Street South
- Gate 5: 5th Avenue South and 2nd Street North
What you can bring
- Small bags, no larger than a backpack
- Refillable water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Seat cushions
- Umbrellas
- Binoculars or cameras
- Camera stands, such as tripods or monopods
- Mobility aids (wheelchairs or scooters)
- Strollers
- Service animals
What you cannot bring
- Weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray)
- Banners, confederate flags, hateful flags or signs
- Camcorders
- Coolers, including food and drinks
- Drones
- Drugs
- Fires or fireworks (no flammale materials expect small lights for cigarettes)
- Folding chairs
- Glass bottles or containers
- Golf carts
- Inflatables (beach balls) or noise makers
- Laptops
- Large bags
- Laser lights or points
- Pets
- Roller blades or skateboards
Safety Measures in place
- Magnetic screening and bag checks at the front
- Bomb dogs, the FDLE, FBI, and officers in uniform as well as in plain clothes, will be in attendance monitoring the event
- "We will have a full staff of officers in uniform and undercover working the entire event," the Chief said.
Reminders
- "If you see something, say something."
- Keep an eye on their personal belongings, like phones and wallets
For more detailed information on the event, visit gpstpete.com.
Click here for the full schedule of events.