Long Beach has extended its deal with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach through 2028, ensuring continuity for the city’s signature event.
The Long Beach City Council unanimously approved the deal Tuesday.
The new agreement, which will start with the 2022 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach scheduled for April 8-10, continues a relationship between the city and the Grand Prix Association that has lasted 46 years.
“The Grand Prix has always been a very strong community event and this agreement just amplifies the unique relationship with the city of Long Beach going forward,” said Jim Michaelian, Grand Prix Association of Long Beach president and CEO. “Our thanks to all those who assisted in getting this done.”
The agreement runs until June 30, 2028, right before the Olympics will come to Los Angeles.
In the agreement, the City retains the right to develop certain portions of the race circuit if needed, said Economic Development Director John Kiesler. During the 2023 Grand Prix, set-up time will be reduced from 53 days to 50 days and tear-down time from 21 to 20 days.
Before this year’s April race, the City will conduct additional pre-race inspections of roads to “ensure that anything that is impacted with regard to tire marks or other blemishes, that those are detailed and ultimately addressed following the race.”
The Grand Prix previously agreed to fund an emulsion treatment on the streets to remove oil residue. The association will also contribute $30,000 per year for five years—which will go to Public Works—to maintain the appearance of the roadway.
The 2022 Grand Prix will be headlined by the NTT IndyCar Series, as well as the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The weekend event will also include the Super Drift Challenge under the lights on Friday and Saturday nights, plus doubleheader action from Robby Gordon’s SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, and a new event in 2022, Porsche Carrera Cup North America.
Tickets range from $37 for Friday general admission to $168 for a three-day ticket that includes weekend reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. Tickets are available at gplb.com or by calling 888-827-7333.
The Long Beach Grand Prix is customarily held in April but moved to September last year because of the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic prompted cancellation of the 2020 race.
