Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas for the first time in 40 years with the inaugural Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. And it's about time.
F1 has come a long way since the last time it came to Las Vegas in 1982. The race took place on a track inside Caesars Palace grounds. Its grand return takes drivers on a 3.8-mile loop as they race over 50 laps past iconic Vegas landmarks, casinos, and stands of cheering fans while reaching speeds up to 212 mph. The track's design features three straights, a high-speed cornering sequence, and a single chicane section. The three-day event shuts down the Strip from November 16 through 18.
Options to be part of this historic return include attending Wednesday's opening ceremonies and watching the drivers practice on Thursday, with qualifying heats on Friday. The main event starts under the lights on Saturday night to show off our city, instead of the traditional Sunday race day.
If you're looking to attend, ticket prices vary depending on race access – I've found some packages have sold out. One option is the World of Red Bull race packages starting at over $800. The experiences include access to the 20,000-square-foot trackside Red Bull Energy Station hospitality center. The Station offers views of Turn 3 alongside open bars with bespoke cocktails, beer and wine, fine cuisine, and music.
Many Strip resorts offer packages catering to the elite crowd. For example, Wynn Las Vegas provides a Wynn Grid Club Package starting from $150,000. The package includes the five-star experience of a Wynn or Encore suite with access to the custom-designed Grid Club, a private club reserved for VIPs attending the event and F1 drivers.
MGM's offerings include the exclusive Bellagio Fountain Club at $11,247 per person. It features a 3-day ticket, premier hospitality seating with fountain and track views, access to the Club's private indoor and rooftop hospitality decks, meet and greets with the F1 Ambassadors, and an all-inclusive unlimited menu by celebrated chefs.
Preparations leading to the Wednesday, November 14 opening ceremony have been underway for months at an estimated price tag of over $560 million. The project added Grandstand seating in areas along the race route, including the Bellagio Fountains, for spectators to cheer on drivers, road improvements, and various structures supporting the race.
Las Vegas is one of three races held in the United States, including Miami and Austin. I think ours will be the most memorable – though I am biased. Hope to see you there.
