Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: A Weekend of Racing and Festivities
The annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a major sporting event in the Tampa Bay region. The festival of racing returns to the streets of St. Pete, taking over the city’s downtown waterfront from Friday, February 27th to Sunday, March 1st, 2026.
Race Weekend Highlights
Sunday’s 100-lap NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race is the main event, broadcast nationally on FOX. However, the Grand Prix offers more than just one race; competitive races take place each day. The event features a festival grounds with food and drink vendors, interactive experiences, games and activities for all ages. Tickets range from $30 to $165.
Experiencing the Grand Prix
The festival grounds themselves are a draw, even for those not deeply interested in racing. Walking through the grounds offers a unique experience. Options for enjoying the event include the Horse Soldier Bourbon floating dock, which provides waterfront views and a lively atmosphere.
Race Schedule and Ticket Options
Sunday is the day for the biggest action and largest crowds. Friday and Saturday offer cheaper tickets, smaller crowds, and plenty of entertainment. From 8 am to 6 pm daily, there is continuous action with practice rounds and multiple races, offering close-up views of drivers on the track.
Getting to the Grand Prix
Uber/Lyft are convenient transportation options. For those driving, parking is available. Pinellas County’s SunRunner, a bus rapid transit option, provides access to the track with convenient pickup locations near parking lots. A group pass is available through the Flamingo Fares App using the promo code CREW (expires March 2nd, 2026) for $3 per crew of up to four people.
A SunRunner stop is located on 1st Avenue North in front of Tropicana Field, near paid parking lots. Free parking is available at the grass lot at 3 Daughters Brewing, with a short walk to the SunRunner stop.
2026 Race Schedule
- Friday, Feb 27: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Practice 1
- Saturday, Feb 28: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Practice 2, NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Qualifications
- Sunday, Mar 1: NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Warmup, NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Race
INDYCAR Season Opener
The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1st. This marks the 16th time and the fifth consecutive year that INDYCAR has begun its season on the streets of St. Petersburg. The event is part of a 17-race schedule for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, with all races broadcast on FOX.
Driver News
Kyle Kirkwood will be sponsored by JM Bullion at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix, as well as races in Phoenix, Arlington, and Long Beach.
Tickets to the Grand Prix are available online at INDYCAR.com.