Firestone will be the title sponsor of the 2014 IndyCar Series season-opening race on the scenic streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., event promoter Green Savoree St. Petersburg announced today.

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be held March 28-30 on the 1.8-mile circuit next to Tampa Bay. The "World's Fastest Spring Break Party" will celebrate its 10th anniversary of hosting the IndyCar Series. James Hinchcliffe of Andretti Autosport won this past season.

“Firestone has been a first-rate sponsor of our event for the past nine years, and we can only express gratitude for having a partner who understands the value of our event,” said event president Tim Ramsberger, who noted the entitlement sponsorship is for multiple years. “It speaks volumes about Firestone and what we have built with all of our partners in our wonderful community.”

General public tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will be available Dec. 1 at www.gpstpete.com or by calling 877-283-5385.

“Motorsports is an integral part of the Firestone brand marketing efforts and the entitlement sponsorship of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg aligns perfectly with our plans,” said Lisa Boggs, director of Bridgestone Americas Motorsports. “Our commitment to the race is a reflection of our longstanding relationship with Green Savoree  and the terrific St. Petersburg community and fans. We are proud to have the Firestone name on this outstanding event.”

Firestone, the Official Tire of the IndyCar Series since 2002, also is the title sponsor of the Firestone 600 at Texas Motor Speedway in June.