As the city prepares for the 50th Grand Prix of Long Beach, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, fans and Downtown Long Beach residents are preparing for a transformation of the streets into a high-octane, race-fueled arena. According to NBC Los Angeles, the weekend's events feature a variety of motorsports, including the NTT IndyCar Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, SPEED/UTV Stadium SUPER Trucks, and more. Historic Formula 1 cars will also make an appearance, hearkening back to the half-century legacy of the race in Long Beach.
However, with the rumbling excitement comes a bit of a headache for those trying to traverse Downtown Long Beach during the event. Starting Wednesday, streets are scheduled to close surrounding the racecourse, with the main artery, Shoreline Drive, shutting down in phases throughout the day. Traffic impacts are anticipated to last until 5:00 p.m. on April 14, after all racing events and cleanup have concluded. As per an announcement by the City of Long Beach, information on street closures and alternative access points is available on their website.
With tickets ranging from $54 to $143 for general admission and reserve seating going for higher prices, the Grand Prix is expected to draw substantial crowds. The event promises not just racing but also additional entertainment such as a Saturday concert featuring FOREIGNER, presented by Cuervo Tequila. All racing action and surrounding festivities will take place on the 1.968-mile street course that has become so identifiable with the Long Beach Grand Prix experience.
Those planning to attend, or simply navigate around the event, should take note of the parking advisories. Access to essential areas such as the Hyatt, Shoreline Village, and the Shoreline Marina will be restricted intermittently throughout the weekend, mirroring the racing schedule's intensity. Parking for the Aquarium of the Pacific, which remains open, shifts to the Queen Mary parking lot from Saturday to Monday, offering shuttles during operating hours to accommodate visitors and offset the street availability challenges posed by Grand Prix preparations. City of Long Beach's press release provides specifics on these impacts.
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