ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 4, 2023) – Shaquem Griffin, a St. Petersburg, Fla. native and former NFL linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks, and current Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen have been added to the slate of VIPs participating in pre-race roles tomorrow at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding.
Griffin and Rasmussen will join legendary LPGA golfer Annika Sorenstam, multi-platinum entertainer and TV/film actor Trace Adkins, actor/producer Simu Liu and other VIPs with pre-race duties tomorrow before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opener on the streets of downtown St. Petersburg. Rasmussen will command the drivers to their cars, and Griffin, as the honorary starter, will wave the green flag over the 27-car field led by pole sitter Romain Grosjean, driver of the No. 28 Andretti Autosport Honda, for the 100-lap race on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street course.
Adkins will perform the national anthem as two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Homestead Air Reserve Base fly over the track and the color guard from American Legion Post 273 Madeira Beach presents the flags. Sorenstam, an Orlando, Fla. resident, will serve as the grand marshal and announce the most famous words in motorsports: ‘Drivers start your engines.’ Liu, the star of Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings,” will ride in the Fastest Seat in Sports, leading the full field of drivers to the green flag.
“We are excited to add two outstanding local sports figures in Shaquem Griffin and Drew Rasmussen to the pre-race festivities for tomorrow’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. “Griffin and Rasmussen are both admired in the Tampa Bay area for their athletic contributions, and we look forward to the excitement they will bring to race day.”
Tickets are still available for tomorrow’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, March 3-5, at gpstpete.com. For ticket prices, event schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.
Comments Off on NEWS: Shaquem Griffin and Drew Rasmussen added to pre-race festivities at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding
Posted by Steve Wittich on Tuesday, October 18th 2022
Photo Courtesy of Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Oct. 17, 2022) – The exclusive renewal period opens tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. ET for race fans who attended this year’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding and purchased 3-Day Grandstand tickets. These customers will have until Monday, Nov. 7 to renew or upgrade their seats. General public sales will begin on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. ET.
The 19th annual event, featuring NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race for the 13th time, is set for March 3-5, 2023, in downtown St. Petersburg. These renewal customers purchasing 3-Day Grandstand seats will again receive complimentary Firestone Paddock Passes with the option to upgrade to a Champions Club membership, which offers extra benefits and experiences, when placing orders through the Nov. 7 deadline closing at 5 p.m. ET.
“It all starts in St. Petersburg! Fans need to be at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding as the tradition of opening another NTT INDYCAR SERIES season here continues,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We look forward to seeing all our great race fans in March for non-stop racing action along the spectacular downtown waterfront.”
The complimentary Firestone Paddock Passes included with every renewal ticket purchase will allow fans to get up close to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES cars and drivers during the race weekend. For an additional $25, renewal purchasers can upgrade to a Champions Club membership offering extra benefits and exclusive access which includes the opportunity to participate in Sunday’s pre-race grid walk, a chance to win a two-seater INDYCAR ride on the track, and more.
Renewals will be available online at gpstpete.com or by phone at 1-727-898-4639 with pricing starting at $125 for reserved 3-Day Grandstand seats. For all ticket pricing and 2023 event information and news, visit gpstpete.com or follow Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on social media using #FirestoneGP.
Three Ocala, Fla. athletes will wave the green flag and ride in the ‘Fastest Seat in Sports’
(Photos courtesy of U.S. Speedskating)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 25, 2022) – Hot off their achievements at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, three Ocala, Fla. Team USA medal winners will join the pre-race action for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding this Sunday, Feb. 27. Speed skaters and great friends Brittany Bowe, Erin Jackson and Joey Mantia each will partake in honorary roles before the 26-car field takes the green flag for the season-opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES race.
Ahead of the green flag, Erin Jackson will ride in the Ruoff Mortgage ‘Fastest Seat in Sports’, and her winter games teammate Brittany Bowe will join Joey Mantia in waving the green flag to start the 100-lap race at approximately 12:30 p.m. EST on Sunday. All three are former world champion in-line skaters on wheels before switching over to competing on ice.
Jackson is the first U.S. woman to win a speed skating gold at the Olympics since Bonnie Blair did so in 1994. She is also the first Black woman to win an individual medal in speed skating at the Olympics. Bowe claimed a bronze medal of her own, and she had graciously given up a spot in order for her teammate Jackson to compete in these recent winter games. Erin had an unfortunate slip in the trials and Brittany’s gesture reopened the door for her to compete, and she made the most of it with her historic feat.
Joey Mantia will join Bowe in the starter’s stand on Sunday after the three-time Olympian claimed a long track speed skating bronze medal in Beijing. He also won a second bronze as part of the men’s team pursuit event. As announced last month, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch will give the command for drivers to start their engines as the race’s grand marshal just before the three Floridians participate in their latest once in a lifetime experiences.
“These are three of the finest speed skaters in the world, and they demonstrated and exemplified the true Olympic team spirit. We’re honored to have them join us at this great Florida event, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding. “They are extraordinary athletes just like the drivers who compete at their limits in every NTT INDYCAR SERIES race.”
Preceding Sunday’s race, INDYCAR Party in the Park happens 4-6 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 26, in North Straub Park, with a fireworks display later at 8 p.m. ET. These are both free community events open to the public.
Tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding start as low as $25. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.
Free Community Event Will Offer Additional Fun to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding with Fireworks Show to Follow
INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022) – INDYCAR Party in the Park will offer a unique, new fan experience during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend on Saturday, Feb. 26. This free activity is part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event held annually in downtown St. Petersburg and will happen in North Straub Park, positioned between Bayshore Drive NE and Beach Drive NE along the waterfront.
Open to the public, INDYCAR Party in the Park will feature special guests, including NTT INDYCAR SERIES athletes, plus prizes and fireworks. Race cars from six racing series running on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend schedule will be on display, including at least one NTT INDYCAR SERIES car representing each team. The event runs 4-6 p.m. ET, with fireworks to follow at 8 p.m.
Among the athletes scheduled to attend are reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou and Marcus Ericsson from Chip Ganassi Racing. Pato O’Ward and Felix Rosenqvist will also join from Arrow McLaren SP. More drivers will be announced leading up to next Saturday’s free public event. Open-wheel racing’s rising stars from Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship will join for an autograph session at 5 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to stay in beautiful downtown afterward and enjoy the many wonderful restaurants and shops along Beach Drive and on The St. Pete Pier with its spectacular waterside views. An emcee will host the activities along with music and giveaways, plus special prizes such as the INDYCAR two-seater experience for a ride at speed around the track on Sunday morning. The SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation channel will tape a special fan-facing edition of Brick by Brick (4-6 pm ET) from the park. Additional giveaways include pace car rides, premium tickets for Sunday’s final day such as Champions Club Grid Walk and Pit Passes with race mode access and an array of racing gear.
The 18th Annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding returns as the opening race for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES for the 12th time. The event also features five support racing series on track with 10 total races set to take the green flag over the three-day weekend.
Sunday, Feb. 27th’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES race caps off an exciting race weekend with a noon ET start and will be broadcast nationally on NBC. Doubleheader features will be held for two of the Road to Indy development series: Indy Pro 2000 Championship presented by Cooper Tires and Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship, along with a Sunday morning feature for INDYCAR’s Indy Lights presented by Cooper Tires series. Sports car racing is also part of the weekend schedule with doubleheader races from SRO’s GT America and IMSA’s Mazda MX-5 Cup series.
INDYCAR PARTY IN THE PARK
When: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Time: 4-6 p.m. EST
Location: North Straub Park, 400 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Visit indycar.com for more information about the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding and the latest news on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Tickets for the race start as low as $25. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers.
About NTT INDYCAR SERIES:
INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – including reigning series champion Alex Palou, six-time series champion Scott Dixon, two-time series champion Josef Newgarden and four-time and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses. The 2022 season consists of 17 races in the United States and Canada and is highlighted by the historic Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions are owned by Penske Corporation, a global transportation, automotive and motorsports leader. For more information on INDYCAR and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, please visitwww.indycar.com. For more information on Indy Lights, please visitwww.indylights.com.
About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding:
The 18th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 1-3, 2022), Honda Indy Toronto (July 15-17, 2022), and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 2-4, 2022).
For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at@GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter@GPSTPETE and Instagram@GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.
Official partnership includes naming rights to the waterside club
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2022) – Horse Soldier Bourbon has signed on as an official partner of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding Race fans attending the 18th annual event in downtown St. Petersburg will enjoy the return of the floating refreshment dock to the yacht club for this year’s event.
During the race weekend, February 25-27, this space will be officially known as the Horse Soldier Bourbon Waterside Club thanks to this new partnership. In addition to other beverage selections, Horse Soldier Bourbon will be available to fans of legal age to enjoy while visiting the area positioned on the water’s edge of St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina just outside of Turn 11.
“The Horse Soldier Bourbon team is thrilled to have the chance to partner with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and we are incredibly proud to support this local event,” said Horse Soldier Bourbon Chief Operating Officer Scott Neil. “We’re hoping that the St. Petersburg community can enjoy the Horse Soldier Bourbon Waterside Club during the race weekend, and we look forward to a continued partnership.”
The men behind Horse Soldier Bourbon served in northern Afghanistan in the days following 9/11. The New York City Port Authority donated steel to them which was recovered from the World Trade Center site. Each bottle of the product is formed in the molds of this steel to honor the spirit of resilience and service that arose after the attacks on the U.S.
“Horse Soldier Bourbon is a tremendous brand based right here in St. Petersburg with a legendary story of brotherhood and bravery behind the creation of their product. We’re excited to bring them on as a new partner,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Presented by RP Funding. “Our fans now get to enjoy this award-winning bourbon on site, and a tasting or dinner at their Urban Stillhouse is also a must do when visiting St. Petersburg.”
Horse Soldier Bourbon will have a strong brand presence and product placement during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding. Spectator signage, public address and video board announcements, plus significant branding identification on and around the Horse Soldier Bourbon Waterside Club will provide tremendous on site exposure to this truly authentic brand.
Tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding start as low as $25. For complete pricing, schedule and festival information, visit gpstpete.com. Follow the event on social media using @gpstpete and #FirestoneGP for the latest updates. Joining the E-Club also provides insider access to the latest news and offers. About Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey:
Horse Soldier Bourbon is an Authentic, All-American, award-winning, ultra-premium bourbon brand and is hand-crafted with a true sense of authenticity, integrity, and service. It is available in three permanent expressions; Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, and Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey and our Limited-Edition Series Commander’s Select. HSB is sold in stores across 14 U.S. states with plans to go nationwide. To learn more, visit www.HorseSoldierBourbon.com and follow them on Instagram at @horsesoldierbourbon and Facebook at @horsesoldierbourbon.
About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding: The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR SERIES races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 1-3, 2022), Honda Indy Toronto (July 15-17, 2022), and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 2-4, 2022).
For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.
Grand Prix will return to its traditional March date in 2022
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (June 9, 2021) – The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburgwill remain a cornerstone event on the downtown streets and waterfront through at least 2026. St. Petersburg City Council unanimously approved a two-year extension to the existing agreement with Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC (GSSP) on June 3rd. This spring break racing tradition has been a marquee event on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ annual calendar for the past 17 years. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg brings worldwide exposure and spectators from across the globe to the City of St. Petersburg. “I am thrilled that the Grand Prix will be in the Sunshine City through 2026. I want to thank City Council for recognizing the importance of this race in St. Pete,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “I also want to thank Kim (Green) and Kevin (Savoree), and everyone at the Grand Prix for not only organizing and promoting one of our city’s best events year after year, but for their dedication to our community.” Set to return to its traditional position on the calendar during the second weekend of March in 2022, the dates for the next five Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg races are: March 10-13, 2022March 9-12, 2023March 7-10, 2024March 6-9, 2025March 12-15, 2026 “There is no better backdrop than downtown St. Petersburg and its picturesque waterfront for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to showcase the NTT INDYCAR SERIES,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of GSSP. “The success and continued growth of the event has only been possible with the overwhelming support and collaboration with the City of St. Petersburg’s Councillors, Mayor Kriseman and his fantastic team.” The City of St. Petersburg’s “Embrace the Race” campaign has worked alongside local businesses to create a great experience for visitors. The efforts multiply the economic impact which the race has on St. Petersburg and local surrounding communities each year. The event has also had an ongoing impact on the local community through fundraising efforts for the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg. Over a four-year span via the MBA 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track, over $216,000 has been raised for the Police Athletic League and American Stage Theatre. The 5K run and walk event is planned to return in 2022 after being put on pause for 2021. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is run on a 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary waterfront circuit that includes a combination of adjacent downtown streets circling Pioneer Park, The Mahaffey Theater, the Salvador Dali Museum and extending onto the runways of Albert Whitted Airport. The set up and tear down process has become more efficient each year. Most recently it took 25 days to construct the circuit and the removal was done within six days thanks to the support of local vendors like Stepp’s Towing and the development of a collaborated plan with the City of St. Petersburg’s administration and events team. For event information, visit gpstpete.com. Also, follow the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on social media using #FirestoneGP for additional ongoing updates and news.
About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season each March and rescheduled to the last weekend of April this year. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 2-4, 2021), Honda Indy Toronto, and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 10-12, 2021). For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at@GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter@GPSTPETEand Instagram@GPSTPETEusing #FirestoneGP.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (April 1, 2021) – Single-Day Grandstand and General Admission tickets are on sale today starting at 10 a.m. ET for the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Multi-day weekend tickets are also still available online at gpstpete.com.
The spectator gates will open in 22 days for the event set for April 23-25, 2021. Action from six different racing series will be back on Bayshore Dr., speed onto the runways of Albert Whitted Airport, and roar alongside the waterfront and downtown St. Petersburg skyline for the 17th consecutive year.
A 3-Day General Admission ticket offers the best value at just $60 to experience all the action throughout the weekend. Daily general admission tickets are $25 for Friday, $40 for Saturday, and $55 for Sunday. Three-Day Grandstand seats are $145 and $115 for upper and lower rows, respectively. Single-Day Grandstand seats are $110 in upper rows and $85 in lower rows. Junior pricing is available for ages 12 and under. Only a limited number of tickets are being sold in advance, and no tickets will be sold at the gates during the race weekend. Reserved grandstand seating will remain socially distanced across groups.
The on track action will feature 11 different races headlined by the 100-lap NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Sunday, April 25, with the green flag set to wave on the field officially at 12:42 p.m. ET as the big finale to the weekend. The SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks are making their much-anticipated return to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with two races in store for these high-flying vehicles. Doubleheaders are also planned for all three open-wheel development levels of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires, which includes the return of Indy Lights this year, and the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich providing some fender-to-fender, showroom stock racing thrills.
The event will operate using specific health and safety protocols for COVID-19. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19 before attending to review all these protocols. Competitors, spectators and all associated with the event will be subject to a health screening and temperature check before entry is permitted. All attendees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings at all times unless when eating or drinking. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be prevalent across the venue.
For complete ticket pricing and the weekend schedule just posted, visit gpstpete.com. Also, follow the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on social media using #FirestoneGP for additional updates and news.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 4, 2021) – Officials from the City of St. Petersburg and Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC (GSSP) announced today that members of City Council have unanimously approved for spectator attendance at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg set for April 23-25, 2021.
At today’s City of St. Petersburg Council meeting, an event plan was presented by GSSP officials and Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration, and City Council approved the resolution by a count of seven votes to zero for 20,000 spectators to attend per day. As was implemented at the October 2020 race weekend, GSSP will operate the event under specific health and safety protocols for COVID-19. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19for more information on these essential event protocols.
“This is an important event for our local economy and will again serve to showcase and elevate the Sunshine City on the world stage,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “I am confident that the protocols in place will allow for a safe, fun race weekend in St. Pete.
” The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg traditionally kicks off the INDYCAR season. This year it will be the second race on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule since the postponement from the first weekend of March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The shift to a later April weekend provides the opportunity for more fans to attend.
Coinciding with this announcement, the exclusive renewal period begins today (March 4) for race fans who attended last year’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and purchased 3-Day tickets. These customers will have until Monday, March 15th at 5 p.m. ET to renew their 3-Day Reserved Grandstand seats or General Admission tickets. Grandstand seating will be limited capacity again to allow for social distancing between groups. Public ticket sales will open on Thursday, March 18th at 2 p.m. ET.
“This is another great day for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, our race fans and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The City of St. Petersburg is always one of the crown jewel stops each season for the entire INDYCAR community,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of GSSP, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We are thankful for the support of Mayor Rick Kriseman, City Council, the City’s entire event team and Pinellas County for putting their faith in us again to operate this event and assisting us with our plan to host it ‘The St. Pete Way’ with the proper precautions in place.”
“On behalf of the entire Green Savoree Racing Promotions team, thank you to the staff at Penske Entertainment and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and of course, Mayor Kriseman and his great team at the City, and St. Pete City Council for all their hard work in making this rescheduled date happen,” said Kevin Savoree, co-owner, president and COO of GSSP. “We’re looking forward to the last weekend in April for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. And, especially we greatly appreciate the patience of our fans as we work through all the planning. Let’s go!”
Competitors, spectators and all associated with the event will be subject to a health screening and temperature check before entry is permitted. All attendees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings at all times unless when eating or drinking with the “No Mask, No Entry” plan. Those who don’t have one will be issued a mask at the entry gates. The CDC’s recommended guideline of at least six feet of social distancing should be maintained while on site. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be prevalent across the venue.
Additional event information and customer FAQs will be posted at gpstpete.com shortly. Ticket purchasers on file and also those customers who deferred tickets from the 2020 event will also receive a direct communication on the renewal and ticketing process.
The 100-lap NTT INDYCAR SERIES race will be broadcast live nationally on NBC with coverage beginning at 12 noon ET. Live streaming of all INDYCAR practice and qualifying sessions will be available on Peacock Premium throughout the weekend.
Posted by Steve Wittich on Wednesday, January 6th 2021
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2021) – The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburghas been rescheduled to April 23-25, 2021, officials from the City of St. Petersburg, Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC (GSSP) and INDYCAR confirmed today. It will move from March 5-7 to a later spring date when the feasibility of hosting a greater number of fans is possible.
“I want to thank our friends at INDYCAR and our partners at Green Savoree for putting the health and safety of fans first. Each of these races takes an incredible amount of work from hundreds of dedicated professionals, and I know the decision to move the date of the race is not made lightly,” said St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman. “I appreciate the drivers, teams, staff, and most of all the fans for their patience and understanding. I look forward to welcoming everyone to the next Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.”
The event usually kicks off the INDYCAR season, and last year served as the thrilling season finale for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES due to its postponement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s not surprising that an event of this magnitude, scheduled for the first week of March, is still subject to the implications of the pandemic,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “We’re delighted we were able to work with Mayor Rick Kriseman’s administration and Green Savoree Racing Promotions to find a more suitable date, which helps consolidate the beginning of our schedule and allows us to stay on NBC network television.”
“We appreciate the officials at INDYCAR for their support in setting a new date for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, and also to Mayor Kriseman and his team at the City of St. Petersburg for identifying a time when it will be conducive for more fans to attend,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of GSSP, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. “We are grateful to keep the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in the springtime window and also maintain the live national broadcast coverage of the race on NBC.”
Additional event information and customer FAQs will be posted at gpstpete.com in the coming days. Ticket purchasers on file and also those customers who deferred tickets from the 2020 event will also receive a direct communication on the renewal and ticketing process.
The rescheduled event now set for April 23-25, 2021 will be subject to the guidance and mandates of national, state and local authorities regarding public gatherings as the conditions evolve with the ongoing pandemic. The health and safety of all associated with this event will remain the priority of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Frontier is bringing blazing-fast speeds and high-quality television to the Tampa Bay region
ST PETERSBURG, Fla. (February 26, 2020) – Frontier Communications is the official TV and internet provider of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, to be held March 13-15. This will be Frontier’s third year partnering with the annual motorsports event. “We are thrilled to partner with the Firestone Grand Prix for a third year,” said Melanie Williams, Frontier’s Senior Vice President of Operations, South Region. “The Frontier team is delighted to be a part of an exciting event in our Tampa Bay community, that aligns perfectly with the speed, and reliability that our FiOS by Frontier fiber optic broadband offers.”
“Frontier Communications and the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are a perfect combination,” said Kim Green, co-owner, chairman and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, which owns and operates the 16th annual downtown race. “We both are passionate about bringing speed, excitement and entertainment to our customers. Our team is thankful to have Frontier back as a partner and know we’ll enjoy Frontier being involved for many years to come.”
For the 2020 race, Frontier is offering lucky Florida race fans the chance to win the Frontier Ultimate Teammate Sweepstakes. Winners will earn the opportunity for a VIP hospitality experience and paddock passes for the races. Frontier is also giving away tickets to race weekend. Entries for the Ultimate Teammate VIP package must be submitted by February 29 at Frontier.com/GrandPrix. Race fans around the Tampa Bay area have an additional opportunity to win tickets by joining Frontier at the Lakewood Ranch retail store, located at 4128 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., on Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a race extravaganza. A real NTT INDYCAR SERIES show car will be on display, and attendees can win a 4-pack of race tickets and a chance to ride in a pace car during race weekend.
Over the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend, spectators will be able to meet with Frontier representatives for chances to win big at the Frontier Event Tent. Visitors can enter to win prizes, including a VIP Club pass upgrade, where lucky winners will sit trackside and enjoy food and beverages in prime seating.
Frontier Communications offers home and business telecommunications solutions including video, advanced voice and high-speed internet over the only widely-available, 100 percent fiber-optic network in the region. Currently that includes a standalone home broadband introductory offer of 500/500 Megabits per second for $39.99 (before taxes and fees). It also offers device security, identity protection, and digital support services. Frontier is a major employer in Florida, with approximately 3,000 team members. Tampa is the company’s South Region headquarters and the company is committed to partnering with local events like the Grand Prix in support of the Tampa Bay community.
Tickets to the 2020 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg are on sale now at gpstpete.com or by phone at 888-476-4479. Registrations are open for the 8th Annual Modern Business Associates 5K Run on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Track benefiting the St. Petersburg Police Athletic League and American Stage Theatre on Friday, March 13, 2020, at gpstpete5k.com.
ABOUT FRONTIER COMMUNICATIONSFrontier Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: FTR) offers a variety of services to residential and business customers over its fiber-optic and copper networks in 29 states, including video, high-speed internet, advanced voice, and Frontier Secure® digital protection solutions. Frontier Business Edge™ offers communications solutions to small, medium, and enterprise businesses. More information about Frontier is available at www.frontier.com and www.frontier.com/careers.
ABOUT FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURGThe 16th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season each March. As the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race for the 10th consecutive year, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC, whose affiliates also promote three additional IndyCar races, Honda Indy Toronto (July 10-12, 2020), The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (August 14-16, 2020) and Grand Prix of Portland (September 4-6, 2020). For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.
