St. Petersburg party

Fireworks To Follow Free Community Event during Race Weekend

INDYCAR Party in the Park will offer a unique, new fan experience Saturday, Feb. 26 during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding weekend.

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 from 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 the event. Open-wheel racing’s rising stars from the Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship will join for an autograph session at 5 p.m.

Music and giveaways also will be available, including special prizes such as the INDYCAR two-seater experience for a ride at speed around the track Sunday morning. 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.

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.

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, including Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires, with 10 total races set to take the green flag over the three-day weekend.

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.