Long Beach’s “200-mph beach party” is officially underway.
City officials and event organizers celebrated the start of construction for the 51st annual Grand Prix of Long Beach on Thursday, Feb. 26.
Crews have begun building grandstands and placing concrete blocks to form the temporary racetrack for the three-day event, which will take place from April 17 to 19.
This year, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will feature the NTT IndyCar Series, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, SPEED Energy Stadium Super Trucks, the Super Drift Challenge on Friday and Saturday nights, the Historic Sports Car Challenge and Porsche Carrera Cup North America. There will also be something for the entire family, from the Lifestyle Expo to the Friday and Saturday night concerts.
From right, General Manager Jim Liaw, Mayor Rex Richardson and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian converse in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian and Mayor Rex Richardson speak to members of the media in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Mayor Rex Richardson ceremonially lifts and drops a concrete block marking 50 days until the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Mayor Rex Richardson, Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian and General Manager Jim Liaw pose for photographs during a ceremonial block drop to mark 50 days until the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, General Manager Jim Liaw, Mayor Rex Richardson and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian converse in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Mayor Rex Richardson and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian speak to members of the media in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
From left, Mayor Rex Richardson and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian speak with members of the media in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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From right, General Manager Jim Liaw, Mayor Rex Richardson and the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian converse in Long Beach on Thursday, February 26, 2026. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
In 2025, the weekend event drew a record-breaking 200,000 spectators, said outgoing GPALB President and CEO Jim Michaelian.
“What we have tried to do is exemplify what this city is all about,” Michaelian said on Thursday. “People come here, they enjoy themselves, it’s a family-friendly type of event. And most importantly, there’s economic impact that flows into the city.”
Construction will continue over the next couple of months, leading up to race weekend, which will welcome thousands of fans to downtown Long Beach, officials said.
“A lot is going to take place over the course of the next 50 days, but for Long Beach, we’re ready for it,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. “It’s a tradition; it’s something we all look forward to. It’s a part of the Long Beach culture.”
This year’s event is of great significance for the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach team as well, as Michaelian will assume a new role with Penske Entertainment, which now owns the organization, effective June 30. Jim Liaw, currently the general manager of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, will be his successor.
“This is officially the 50-day countdown,” Liaw said on Thursday. “As every piece gets added, it gets more and more exciting and builds anticipation for the race.”
During Thursday’s press conference, officials dropped a ceremonial concrete block commemorating the start of track construction in what will become Turn 10 of the racecourse. There were also three Acura vehicles celebrating the company’s 40th anniversary with a 2001 Acura Integra Type R, an official Integra pace car and an IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Prototype.
“We’re delighted to be back here,” Michaelian said. “When people start driving down Shoreline Drive, they’re going to recognize the fact that the race is back on April 17 through 19. You gotta come and join us, because it’s going to be one big party.”
Tickets for the 51st Grand Prix of Long Beach are on sale. General admission tickets for the first day of the Grand Prix start at $56. Race fans can get a three-day ticket with reserved grandstand seating on Saturday and Sunday for $221.
For more information about the Grand Prix and ticketing, visit gplb.com.