‘The course is very big’ | Arlington streets transform into racetrack for Grand Prix, expect major traffic changes

Arlington transforms its entertainment district into a racetrack for the Grand Prix, impacting traffic and security.

ARLINGTON, Texas — Streets in Arlington’s entertainment district are being transformed into part of a professional race course as the city prepares for the Grand Prix.

Barriers, fencing and grandstands now stretch through the area around AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, turning city streets into a temporary racetrack.

Arlington police said the race will bring a new kind of event to the entertainment district.

“This is going to be unlike any event we’ve ever done in the entertainment district before,” said Tim Ciesco, a spokesperson for the Arlington Police Department. “We’ve hosted a lot of big stuff but nothing that looks quite like this — a race track going through the heart of the entertainment district.”

The race course stretches nearly three miles and runs through some of the busiest roads in the district, which means drivers will see major traffic changes.

“Traffic is going to be a big one — the course is very big, it’s almost 3 miles long and goes through the entertainment district,” Ciesco said. “So the roads you are used to to get in and out of the entertainment district will be shut down.”

Police said closures will include Randol Mill Road and portions of Stadium Drive, AT&T Way, Cowboys Way and College Street.

Additional changes are expected near Collins Street and Randol Mill Road, where only one southbound lane on Collins will remain open.

Police are urging fans attending the race to plan ahead, including checking where their seats are located and deciding where to park before arriving.

“Take a look at where your seats are going to be when you are coming to the race so you can figure out where’s the best place for you to park,” Ciesco said.

Navigation apps may also help drivers avoid closures.

“The city of Arlington, we are able to alert them through ways of road closures,” Ciesco said. “So if you use Waze to get around that should help you navigate some of the closures.”

Security will also be tighter during the event.

“There is going to be security to get in the stands — you will have to go through security,” Ciesco said.

Officials said the Grand Prix website lists items that are not allowed inside the grandstands.

“If you go to the Grand Prix website it will have a list of things you can’t bring in for everyone’s safety,” Ciesco said.

Fans will also pass through checkpoints before entering the event area.

“You will have to go through a checkpoint to get your tickets but also to make sure you don’t bring in something you shouldn’t be,” Ciesco said.

Police said they are not aware of any specific threats but will maintain a heavy presence throughout race weekend.

“We are not aware of any specific threats and we anticipate it will be a safe event for everyone,” Ciesco said.

Authorities said they will continue monitoring the situation and working with federal partners.

“We are constantly monitoring things and working with our federal partners,” Ciesco said. “They have some tools and equipment we don’t have to help us identify any specific threats so we can intervene as quickly as possible.”

Race officials are encouraging fans to check the Grand Prix of Arlington website or mobile app before arriving.

“The Grand Prix of Arlington website has a phone app that is super helpful that has all the parking and entrance areas that will be different for this race too,” Ciesco said.

Police said fans should expect road closures, security checkpoints and large crowds and should plan ahead and allow extra time when heading to the entertainment district.