Due to preparations for the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, some of Las Vegas’ most famous visitor attractions are now fenced off. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Limiting visitor experience
Formula One (F1) is coming to Las Vegas in November and work on the track is in full swing. It appears the construction will impact visitors’ experience of the Strip. Local expert Vegasstarfish posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) detailing some of the glitches:
Two of the city’s most popular tourist attractions are the fountain show at the Bellagio and the volcanic eruption at the Mirage. These iconic experiences will now be restricted due to the upcoming race.
Fences now block views of the Bellagio and the fountains will soon be turned off until after the race as stadium seats are built above them. All the trees that lined the road have been removed, while obstacles now block most views of the volcano erupting at the Mirage. This isn’t ideal for people who spend their hard-earned money visiting the city in hopes of seeing these iconic experiences.
Causes major disruption
While work has been underway to improve the streets and paths around the city for some time, construction work is now gaining momentum. This results in significant traffic disruptions; Local workers in particular are dissatisfied with the changes. There are also numerous claims that the stands are unsafe due to the use of cheap, non-union labor.
Another flashpoint surrounding the race was a dispute between certain companies and Formula 1 over license fees. The enormous prices that the race organizer charged for spectators of the race deterred many companies. This caused the promoter to relent and reduce prices from up to $3 million for a large venue to around $50,000. She had threatened to erect barricades to block the view of the race for those who did not pay.
Hotel room prices have dropped by almost 60% in certain hotels
Prices for hotel rooms at certain properties for race weekend have dropped nearly 60% since they first went on sale last November. The room prices listed at that time were the highest in the city’s history. Despite that decline, race officials said demand for tickets was strong.
A big event for the city
Formula 1 has increased in popularity in recent years, largely due to the Drive to survive Series on Netflix are so popular. Interest in the U.S. has skyrocketed, with average viewership of the race rising from around 500,000 in 2018 to over 1 million last year.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled to take place every year for the next decade. It will be the first race of its kind to be held in the city since the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix.
Race week will bring lots of visitors and money to the region; The main event takes place on November 19th at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. Estimates suggest that over 300,000 people will participate and that it will have an economic impact of approximately $1 billion for the entire city. The price for a general admission ticket is about $500, and a seat in the stands costs about $2,000 over the three days.
