PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Pete is taking over St. Pete this weekend in a three-day event.

The St. Petersburg Police Department discussed the safety and security measures they will take ahead of the Firestone Grand Prix.

The event is happening from March 8 through March 10 in downtown St. Pete at Albert Whitted Park and will feature eight races.

WFLA.com has compiled a guide to make your experience at this event as smooth as possible.

Directions to Grand Prix

  • From Tampa: I-275 south, I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
  • From Clearwater: US-19 south, 54th Avenue Norteast, I-275 south, I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
  • From south: I-275 north (Sunshine Skyway), I-175 east via exit 22 on the left, keep left onto 5th Avenue South, track will be at 1st Street South and 5th Avenue South
  • For the most recent road closures, visit stpete.org.

Parking and shuttles

  • Arrive early! Plan for heavy traffic as officials expect upwards of about 150,000 people to show up
  • The City of St. Pete is providing parking spots at Tropicana Field in Lots 1 and 2
  • A free shuttle service will be provided from Tropicana Field to the race course during scheduled hours (Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday: 7 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday: 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.)
  • Guests can also park at City Parking Garage (SouthCore)
  • Shuttle stops: 16th Street (between 3rd Avenue South and 4th Avenue South) and 2nd Street (between 6th Avenue South and 5th Avenue South)
  • Guests may also take the SunRunner or the St. Petersbrug Trolley
  • Click here to find where you can park

Entry

  • Pre-load tickets to mobile apps in case of service disruptions
  • Gate hours- Friday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., Saturday: 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday: 7:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.
  • Gate 1: 1st Avenue South and 1st Street South
  • Gate 5: 5th Avenue South and 2nd Street North

What you can bring

  • Small bags, no larger than a backpack
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Sunscreen
  • Seat cushions
  • Umbrellas
  • Binoculars or cameras
  • Camera stands, such as tripods or monopods
  • Mobility aids (wheelchairs or scooters)
  • Strollers
  • Service animals

What you cannot bring

  • Weapons of any kind (firearms, knives, pepper spray)
  • Banners, confederate flags, hateful flags or signs
  • Camcorders
  • Coolers, including food and drinks
  • Drones
  • Drugs
  • Fires or fireworks (no flammale materials expect small lights for cigarettes)
  • Folding chairs
  • Glass bottles or containers
  • Golf carts
  • Inflatables (beach balls) or noise makers
  • Laptops
  • Large bags
  • Laser lights or points
  • Pets
  • Roller blades or skateboards

Safety Measures in place

  • Magnetic screening and bag checks at the front
  • Bomb dogs, the FDLE, FBI, and officers in uniform as well as in plain clothes, will be in attendance monitoring the event
  • “We will have a full staff of officers in uniform and undercover working the entire event,” the Chief said.

Reminders

  • “If you see something, say something.”
  • Keep an eye on their personal belongings, like phones and wallets

For more detailed information on the event, visit gpstpete.com.

Click here for the full schedule of events.