The Las Vegas Strip Is About to Become a Racetrack Again

Formula 1 returns to Las Vegas next week, and anyone visiting the city should plan around it whether or not they care about racing. The fourth Las Vegas Grand Prix runs over the November 18–21 period, with the race itself at 8pm on Saturday, November 21. Around 200,000 people are expected. Because the circuit uses public streets, including a long stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard, getting around the resort corridor will be noticeably harder than usual on event days.

On event days, Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, Harmon Avenue and Sands Avenue begin closing from about 1pm, with a hard closure in place by 3pm. Glass bottles are banned in public areas along the Strip from November 17 until the race ends. For a third year, safety enclosures will be installed on pedestrian bridges, and a coordination centre bringing together 54 agencies will manage security, according to Undersheriff Andrew Walsh and Fire Chief Billy Samuels.

Officials are steering people away from cars. Local residents can buy $1 Las Vegas Monorail passes, and rideshare pickups will be concentrated at designated locations, including Tuscany Suites, Park MGM, the Howard Hughes Center and Virgin Hotels. Police have also published a tip line, 702-828-7777, for reporting suspicious activity during the event.

If your trip overlaps the race week, expect higher hotel rates, slower taxi lines and long walks between properties. Leave extra time for airport transfers, especially on Saturday evening, and check with your hotel about access routes and guest-only entrances before you arrive. If you are not attending, the weeks before or after the race usually offer better value on the same rooms.

Sources: FOX5 Vegas, KLAS 8 News Now via Yahoo