Gear up for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

Get the latest tips on parking, where to eat, and how to make the most of your time at the IndyCar event.

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Are you ready to cheer your heart out?

Photo via Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

Happy race weekend, TBAY. Thousands will flock to the Burg’s waterfront this weekend for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding .

The 20th annual run for the IndyCar race in the Burg is set to be extra special, with rock legend Jon Bon Jovi making a special appearance as he leads the field to green on Sunday, March 10.

Tickets

  • Three-day passes to the action are $75, or you can buy individual day tickets.
  • Want to ensure you have a spot to sit? Consider paying a bit more for grandstand tickets — which run from $105 to $165.
  • And for those who want even more of the action, there’s pit passes and Firestone Paddock passes available.
  • Buy tickets online .

Eats

  • There’s ample options to chow down at the festival — from bars serving frozen daiquiris and cocktails, to massive lemonades, hot dogs, and treats.
  • Heads up: Outside food and drinks are prohibited, so leave the cooler in the car.

May we also suggest bringing an umbrella, hat, and deffo sunglasses.

Photo via Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding

Parking

  • While we recommend not driving to the festival, there is some parking available at city parking garages , which cost $15 for the day Friday, and $25 for the day on Saturday or Sunday.
  • Or consider parking at Tropicana Field, where a shuttle will also be ferrying folks to the festival, included in the $15 cost.

Tips

  • Some of the Sunshine City’s best eateries line the waterfront, but they book up fast. So we recommend making those dinner and lunch reservations ASAP. Here’s a few spots we think you might like.
  • For those heading to the festival on Saturday, rocker Bret Michaels will perform a live concert in the plaza between the Mahaffey Theater and The Dalí Museum.
  • Take a peek at the festival map to figure out your gameplan — and get a better idea of where you might want to sit.
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Bailey is based in St. Petersburg, FL, but hails from Ocala: the “horse capitol of the world.” Previously, she reported on education for WUSF Public Media, seniors for The Tampa Bay Times, and local government and communities for The Miami Herald and The Palm Beach Post. Happiest with sand on her sneakers, she loves visiting new parks and neighborhoods.
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