Soy Cowboy is offering a special buffet and close-up patio view of cars racing through the new street circuit.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Java House Grand Prix of Arlington is set to roar through the Arlington Entertainment District this weekend, and restaurants and hotels nearby are preparing for an influx of race fans eager to get close to the action.

At Soy Cowboy, the patio sits just feet from the temporary street circuit, and the Pan Asian restaurant is offering what staff says may be one of the closest dining views of the race anywhere along the track.

“You’ll be about 20 feet from the track,” said Stephen Cummings, complex manager and director for Loews Hotels. “We’re going to see cars zoom past here, probably close to 200 miles per hour.”

The new 2.73-mile street circuit winds through Arlington’s entertainment district, taking drivers past landmarks like AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The track features 14 turns, including a “horseshoe” section where drivers are expected to exceed 100 mph. Top speeds could approach 180 mph on straightaways.

The race has been two years in the making, with crews spending nearly a month constructing the temporary circuit. Businesses surrounding the course are hoping the highly anticipated race weekend will translate into a major economic boost.

Organizers estimate about 80,000 people will attend the three-day event, and Penske Entertainment projects an economic impact of up to $100 million for the region.

“The reservations are through the roof,” Cummings said of Soy Cowboy’s special offerings during the three-day event.


Race-day dining experience

To capitalize on the prime trackside location, Soy Cowboy is offering a special race-weekend viewing experience.

According to the restaurant, the Java House Grand Prix viewing party on the patio will include a buffet and race viewing package starting at $95 per person, featuring sushi, dim sum and other Pan Asian dishes along with drinks and a view of the track.

“It’s going to be pretty electric,” Cummings said.

Chef Bill Trevino said the menu is designed to match the excitement of the race.

“Everybody’s favorites, we’ve got some dim sum, some pork gyoza,” Trevino said.

Guests can expect dishes like Korean ribs alongside sushi and champagne while watching cars speed by just feet away.

More information on reservations for the event can be found here.


A major event for North Texas

General admission tickets for the race itself range roughly from $35 to $200, depending on seating and race-day access. For Arlington and the surrounding entertainment district, the event is another sign of North Texas’ growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.

“You can feel the excitement,” Cummings said.

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington begins Friday and runs through the weekend in the Arlington Entertainment District.