Local officials anticipate record-breaking attendance, viewership, and economic impact from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The surge in visitors and financial boost comes at a crucial time as the community continues recovering from the devastating 2024 hurricane season.

The four-day festival kicks off on Feb. 27, with Visit St. Pete-Clearwater CEO Brian Lowack projecting the event will generate over $60 million for the region. He joined Mayor Ken Welch, race organizers, drivers, and community leaders Thursday morning along the downtown waterfront to mark the 21st annual running of the Grand Prix.

Fox Sports will broadcast the NTT IndyCar Series opener, showcasing St. Pete’s picturesque backdrop to a national and global audience. Welch emphasized the race’s significance, stating, “It’s the perfect time for our community to come together and celebrate, even as we rebuild. We’re showing the world that St. Pete is back—our streets are clear, and our city is thriving.”

This broadcast will reach over 200 countries, marking the first IndyCar event under Fox’s new partnership. Kevin Savoree, co-owner of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, expects the coverage to attract millions of viewers, with Fox heavily promoting the event during NFL games. “I think we’re going to set a record on Fox as a first event,” Savoree said.

Beyond global exposure, the Grand Prix is expected to bring over 200,000 attendees to St. Petersburg, boosting local businesses. Lowack noted the influx will drive more than 15,000 overnight stays and generate record-breaking sales for shops, restaurants, and museums. “Last year was a record year, and we have a strong chance of surpassing it,” he said.

Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, described the Grand Prix as ingrained in the city’s identity. He praised Savoree and his co-owner, Kim Green, for fostering St. Pete’s entrepreneurial spirit and attracting major businesses. “For viewers worldwide, yes, we were hit by hurricanes, but look at our streets—cars are racing at 200 mph. Our city is alive and moving,” Steinocher said.

Preparations are well underway, with grandstands installed along the storm-damaged runways of Albert Whitted Airport. The city began repairs in mid-January, with initial work expected to conclude before the race. Meanwhile, crews are constructing a temporary yacht club and assembling the 1.8-mile street circuit, a process that will be completed in just 15 days—far shorter than the original 75-day timeline.

Andretti Global driver Kevin Kirkwood, who finished seventh in the 2024 IndyCar standings, is eager for another shot at victory in his home state. “It’s a three, three-and-a-half-hour drive from Jupiter—if I take it slow,” Kirkwood joked. “I have a lot of family and friends coming, and it’s always an incredible atmosphere.”

But the Grand Prix is more than just a race. The festivities begin with the fourth annual Party in the Park on Feb. 27, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring drivers, live music, vendors, and a parade of IndyCars through North Straub Park. The event coincides with a 5K charity run on the Grand Prix track, expected to draw over 1,200 participants and benefiting the St. Petersburg Police Athletic League, which has raised over $300,000 to date.

Throughout the weekend, up-and-coming drivers will compete in preliminary races, leading up to the main event—the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg—at noon on Sunday, March 2. Fox’s secondary networks will also air practice and qualifying sessions, with up to seven hours of live coverage.

For tickets and event details, visit gpstpete.com/tickets.

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(Image credit: St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce)