Arlington gears up for its first Java House Grand Prix, transforming city streets into a racing circuit.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Work crews are putting the finishing touches on Arlington’s entertainment district as the city prepares to host its inaugural Java House Grand Prix. 

Opening day for the event is set for 9 a.m. Friday, March 13. The race events will culminate on Sunday after three days of family-friendly events.

Over the past several weeks, crews have been transforming public streets into a professional racing circuit. The closer it gets to race day, the more streets are blocked off. Most work is being done in the evening to minimize traffic disruption.

“Over the last few weeks, I know the community has seen us building this track out block by block, literally, right, as we transform city streets into a world-class racetrack,” Letty Azar said.

Azar serves as the spokesperson for Penske Racing, which plays a major role in ensuring attendees walk away with an unforgettable experience. More than 100 transporters are now arriving in Arlington carrying drivers, pit crews, and engineers as race weekend approaches. 

During a one-on-one tour of the circuit, INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington President Bill Miller showed off the 2.73-mile street track to WFAA and described the kind of speeds fans will see once the race begins.

“You’ve got the cars coming 180 miles per hour down Randall Mill after they run on .9 miles straight away. They hit this 90-degree turn, and they shoot right down Stadium Drive,” Bill Miller said.


Miller says the Grand Prix weekend will offer more than just racing.

“We’ve got displays that people can play with, and kids can play in simulators that they can run. You’re gonna have all kinds of food,” Bill Miller said.

Race organizers also say they worked to make ticket prices family-friendly, especially for parents bringing younger children to the races.

“With a GA ticket, children 12 and under are free, and FREE-99 is the best price every time,” Letty Azar said.

General admission tickets provide views of several areas around the course, while premium seating options place fans close to the winner’s platform, where drivers celebrate after the race. Attendees can purchase a one-day pass or a three-day pass to the race.

“Our day tickets get you access to the 2.73-mile street circuit. It is a beast. It is enormous, and to do this in one day is almost impossible. We do have three-day tickets,” Azar said.

Organizers transformed part of the AT&T Stadium parking lot into viewing stands. The drivers will also be among the guests in V.I.P. areas of the course. That includes a platform with seating just feet from where the Grand Prix winner will celebrate and receive the trophy.


“You can imagine they’re gonna take their champagne, and they’ll be spraying the fans as part of their victory here,” Bill Miller said, “Arlington is, we look at it as, it’s a party. It’s about a great tailgate, whether you’re at the Rangers games or the Cowboys games. You have these 2 iconic stadiums and their destination stadiums unto themselves. We look at creating this as a destination race. We’re partners with the Cowboys and Rangers. So obviously, that was natural to build it around their stadiums.”

Although this will be Arlington’s first Grand Prix street race, organizers say they hope it will become a long-running tradition.

“We’re looking to have this event for many, many years to come,” Bill Miller said.

If that happens, the roar of engines could become a familiar sound in Arlington’s entertainment district for years to come.