Get ready for the exhilarating return of high-speed action to the Sunshine City! The 2025 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, presented by RP Funding, is set to ignite the NTT IndyCar Series season from February 28th to March 2nd, 2025, transforming downtown St. Petersburg into a roaring spectacle of motorsports. The excitement revs up even earlier with a kick-off party on Thursday, February 27th.
For one unforgettable weekend, the streets of downtown St. Petersburg and the runways of Albert Whitted Airport will morph into a challenging 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit. The Grand Prix St Pete is more than just a race; it’s a four-day festival attracting an estimated 200,000 passionate fans eager to witness world-class racing and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere.
This 21st edition of the St. Petersburg Grand Prix will once again place the city firmly in the international motorsport spotlight. Fox Sports will broadcast the event, along with the entire 17-race NTT IndyCar Series season, culminating in the legendary Indianapolis 500. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action!
Your Guide to the St. Pete Grand Prix Race Weekend
The Grand Prix St Pete offers a packed schedule of racing and entertainment both on and off the track. Beyond the premier NTT IndyCar Series, fans will be treated to thrilling races from four additional motorsports series, ensuring non-stop excitement throughout the weekend.
Thursday: IndyCar Party in the Park and 5K Run
The festivities begin earlier than ever this year! Thursday, February 27th, marks the start of the party with the IndyCar Party in the Park at North Straub Park, kicking off at 4 p.m. This free, public event offers a fantastic opportunity to get up close with IndyCar drivers, enjoy live music, grab food and drinks, and participate in giveaways – all before the racing even begins! Race cars from each participating series will be on display, providing a sneak peek of the weekend’s action. For those looking to get active, a 5K walk and run will take place on the actual racetrack at 5 p.m.
Alt text: IndyCar drivers interacting with fans at a pre-race event, showcasing the approachable nature of motorsports stars at the Grand Prix St Pete.
Weekend Fan Fun: Village, Beer Gardens, and Speed Zone
Throughout the race weekend, from Friday to Sunday, spectators can immerse themselves in the IndyCar Series Fan Village, offering interactive exhibits and merchandise. Relax and socialize in the beer gardens, or test your skills and enjoy interactive games at the Speed Zone. There’s something for everyone at the Grand Prix St Pete, ensuring a memorable experience beyond the on-track action.
Friday: A Full Day of Racing Series
Friday, February 28th, is a non-stop day of racing action. The track comes alive with multiple series, starting with the exciting Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin. Following this, witness the future stars of IndyCar in action with the three open-wheel feeder series: USF2000 Presented by Continental Tire, USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire, and Indy NXT Presented by Firestone. The day culminates with the NTT IndyCar series cars taking to the track, followed by a driver autograph session, giving fans a chance to meet their racing heroes.
Saturday: Qualifying Heats Up
Saturday, March 1st, continues the racing momentum. The Mazda MX-5 Cup, USF2000, and USF Pro 2000 series return to the track. Indy NXT cars will participate in qualifying sessions, setting the stage for their Sunday race, and fans can again meet these rising stars at an autograph session. The highlight of Saturday is the NTT IndyCar series practice and qualifying, where drivers push their cars to the limit to secure the best starting positions for Sunday’s main event.
Alt text: High-speed IndyCar action during a qualifying session at the St. Pete Grand Prix, emphasizing the intensity and competition.
Sunday: Race Day Grand Finale
Sunday, March 2nd, is race day! The day begins with a race from one of the feeder series, building anticipation for the main event. The Indy NXT cars will compete in a 45-lap race, showcasing future IndyCar talent. Finally, the weekend reaches its peak with the 100-lap IndyCar race, the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where seasoned drivers battle for victory in the inaugural race of the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season.
Ticket Options and Pro Tips for the Grand Prix St Pete
Single-day and three-day tickets are available now, offering various access levels to suit different preferences and budgets.
Ticket prices range from $165 for premium three-day grandstand seats, providing the best panoramic views of the track, to $30 for general admission on Friday. Three-day general admission tickets are priced at $75 for adults and $65 for children aged 12 and under. For an enhanced experience, paddock (race car garage) and pit (service area) passes are available for purchase in addition to your ticket.
Pro Tip for Budget-Conscious Fans: General admission tickets offer excellent value. You can explore the infield area, get close to the action at various turns, and access almost all areas of the racecourse, except the airport straight, for a fraction of the grandstand cost.
Experiencing the Thrill of the St. Pete Street Circuit
The St. Pete Grand Prix street course provides an unparalleled spectator experience. Witness cars thunder past within feet, drivers fiercely competing for position at speeds exceeding 100 mph, braking hard for tight corners, and accelerating down the straights. Despite the track’s narrow sections (26 feet at its narrowest point), the long straightaways, like the 2,350-foot front straight, and significant braking zones contribute to an average of nearly 185 thrilling overtaking maneuvers per race.
The inherent risks of street racing add to the excitement. The close proximity of concrete walls and the open-wheel design of the cars mean that even minor contact can have significant consequences. The drivers’ skill and daring maneuvers are a captivating spectacle for all race fans.
Adding to the allure of the Grand Prix St Pete is its unique location. Nestled amidst downtown St. Petersburg’s vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops, the event encircles landmarks like Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, and the Dalí Museum. This vibrant urban setting distinguishes it from many racetracks situated in more remote locations with limited amenities.
The combination of top-tier racing, the stunning St. Petersburg waterfront backdrop, and the abundance of nearby attractions draws affluent fans, drivers, and teams to Florida’s premier IndyCar event. Downtown marinas are filled with luxury yachts, and hotels and bars buzz with activity. Book your hotel stay now to secure your spot in the heart of the action.
Food and Drink Delights at the Event and Beyond
Pedestrian bridges provide easy access to the shaded infield area within the track, Pioneer Park, where a diverse array of food and beverage vendors await. Track crossings are opened between sessions, allowing ground-level movement across the circuit.
Beyond the track, dining in St. Pete is an essential part of the Grand Prix St Pete experience. The city boasts a fantastic culinary scene, with countless restaurants and bars perfect for pre-race meals or post-race celebrations.
Alt text: Variety of food vendors at the St. Pete Grand Prix, highlighting the diverse culinary options available to attendees.
The Engineering Marvel Behind the Street Circuit
Transforming public streets into a safe, high-speed race circuit for the Grand Prix St Pete is an impressive logistical and engineering undertaking. The transformation involves deploying 8,000 feet of steel-reinforced concrete blocks, totaling 20 million pounds, to create track barriers. Additionally, 25,000 feet of chain-link spectator fencing and 18,000 feet of panel fencing are used to secure the concrete barriers. Safety measures also include trackside walls comprised of over 12,000 tires wrapped with 1,500 feet of reinforced rubber.
Despite the scale of the project, a dedicated 300-person track-build team completes the entire installation and teardown process in just 27 days. Track construction takes 18 days, and teardown is accomplished within a week, showcasing remarkable efficiency.
How to Watch the Race
For those who can’t attend in person, FOX will broadcast the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding, starting at noon EST on Sunday, March 2nd. Tune in to catch all the racing action live!
Get ready to experience the thrill and excitement of the Grand Prix St Pete, the perfect way to kick off the 2025 IndyCar season!
