LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Formula One returns to Las Vegas in just seven months, but this time with a few changes from last year’s race.
Despite F1 bringing a total $1.5 billion economic impact for Las Vegas in 2023, FOX5 has also heard complaints from businesses that lost money or even closed down as a result of the race, performers who were temporarily out of work and the many drivers who were impacted by the roadwork.
On Wednesday, Las Vegas Grand Prix Chief Executive Officer, Renee Wilm, acknowledged those disruptions.
“Year one was tough in so many ways, and we want to create an incredible race and incredible fan experience, but also be a better member of this community,” she said. “Good communication. Good community engagement. And we’re really excited about what we have coming forward this year.”
Wilm said they’re going to have a much more extensive community engagement plan this year that will be rolled out soon in partnership with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“In addition, we’ve significantly created more general admission and more accessible price points so that more of our community can really come out and enjoy our race,” said Wilm. “So we are looking forward to bringing everyone to this event this year, the out of towners as well as the in-towners.”
Wilm stressed that this year, F1 hopes not to cause so much disruption to Las Vegas residents.
“We are not doing what we did last year. It was a 9-month long beatdown, and for that we will be eternally grateful to the resident of Las Vegas for tolerating us,” she said. “This year, significantly less construction. We will start installing barriers and lighting fixtures. It will be done on a rolling basis, but it won’t be until much late this year, really until sometime in September/October.”
Wilm added that in 2024, there will be no opening ceremonies on Wednesday night like at the inaugural event in 2023.
“However, we are going to continue to focus on Las Vegas specific and unique entertainment as well as bring in a lot of A-list talent throughout the entirety of the circuit,” she said. “More to come soon.”
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