Start your engines! Arlington Grand Prix weekend is jam-packed with multiple races, concerts and autograph sessions. Here’s what you should know about it.
DALLAS — This weekend the streets of Arlington surrounding AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field will play host to a different kind of sport than fans are used to seeing around those parts.
Starting Friday and continuing on through Sunday, open-wheel race cars will fly down these Arlington roads at breakneck speeds, with thousands of fans cheering them on.
A year and a half after it was initially announced, IndyCar is finally bringing its Java House Grand Prix of Arlington to North Texas racing fans. And, really, that’s just part of what the weekend has in store.
With exciting events all weekend long to enjoy — some even free to attend — we figured it would be helpful to put together the below guide to everything fans should know if you plan to attend any of the events.
What races are happening this weekend in Arlington?
All Day: Cars hitting the track for qualifying and practice.
11:20 a.m.: Toyota GR Cup Race 112:25 p.m.: USF Pro 2000 Race 14:45 p.m.: USF Pro 2000 Race 2
8 a.m.: Toyota GR Cup Race 210 a.m.: Indy NXT by Firestone Race12:15 p.m.: Java House Grand Prix of Arlington
How long is the track and how many turns does it have?
The freshly constructed track — a street course that will take drivers through Arlington’s biggest entertainment district — checks in at 2.73 miles long, with 14 turns along the way. The race distance for the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington — the weekend’s capstone event on Sunday — will last 70 laps around the course.
What is IndyCar?
IndyCar is the sanctioning body for the NTT IndyCar Series and INDY NXT by Firestone. The NTT IndyCar Series is North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, featuring 25 full-time drivers representing some 11 different countries around the world. The series’ schedule is made up of superspeedways, short ovals, road courses and street courses — like the one being raced on this weekend.
What is Java House?
Java House, the title sponsor for the Grand Prix of Arlington, specializes in small-batch cold brew coffee. The company has cafés across Indiana, where IndyCar is based. It also sells a variety of direct-to-consumer and wholesale coffee products including peel and pour pods for the home.
When was last time there was a open-wheel Grand Prix race in North Texas?
It’s been over 40 years! On July 8, 1984, the Formula 1 racing circuit’s Dallas Grand Prix was held at Fair Park on a 2.4-mile course that looped around the Cotton Bowl and along South Second Avenue. This weekend’s event is different, of course, in that it’s an IndyCar event, not an F1 race. The 1984 race, it should be said, was something of a disaster, as temperatures hit triple-digits and drivers called the driving surface
“disgustingly bad.” IndyCar is surely hoping for a better result this weekend.
How much are tickets to the weekend’s races?
Most seats will cost you around $100 or more.
Weekend-long general admission tickets start at $110, and reserved seats start at $195.Sunday general admission tickets start at $90, and reserved seats start at $135.
Kids aged 12 and under, however, get into General Admission Areas for free with a paying adult.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
What can you attend for free and/or without a ticket?
You’ve got a few options for more wallet-conscious event-going this weekend:
Arrow McLaren Fan Fest at Texas Live! On Wednesday, March 11, from 4p.m. to 8 p.m. fans are invited to the kickoff party at the Arlington Backyard inside Texas Live! The event is free to everyone and will include driver appearances, race cars and other race related activities.Arlington’s Official After Party at Texas Live! The official after party for the weekend is on Sunday, March 14, following the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington. The event will feature the Texas Live! LoneStar Dance Team performing live, a drum line and green beer for St. Patrick’s Day. Admission is free, and no ticket is required.
What is the Fan Zone?
The Fan Zone is open to ticketed fans only and features a variety of autograph sessions with legends from IndyCar, plus players from the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. Motorcycle stunt showcases and a variety of race-related experiences will also be at the Fan Zone. You can find a full schedule of Fan Zone events here.
What streets are closed for Java House Grand Prix of Arlington?
A bunch of ’em! The following roads will all be shut down by race time on Friday morning:
North Collins StreetRandol Mill RoadAT&T WayCowboys WayStadium DriveBallpark WayNolan Ryan Expressway
North Collins Street near Randol Mill Road will be also closed for track construction beginning March 11 at 3 a.m., leaving just one southbound lane open.
Where do people park for Java House Grand Prix of Arlington?
Parking will cost you a pretty penny, too, with Sunday parking going for $55, and three-day parking passes costing $125. Arlington Police suggest attendees use Highway 360 and Division Street for south lots, and use Road to Six Flags for east/north lots. You can find a map of the various parking lots here.
What concerts are happening as part of the event?
Race weekend will feature a pair of concerts presented under the Good Ranchers Concert Series banner:
Friday, March 13: All Time Low and Giovannie and the Hired Guns.Saturday, March 14: T-Pain and Discolines.
All admission tickets to the race grounds come with access to the concerts as well. Fans can also purchase VIP pit wristbands for an additional $149 each day.
What is the bag policy for the race grounds?
Here are the approved bags for the weekend:
Clear Tote: Plastic, vinyl or PVC, not to exceed 12″L x 6″W x 12″HPlastic Storage Bag: Clear, one (1) gallon, re-sealableSmall Clutch Purse: Approximately the size of a hand with or without a handle or strap. No larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ with or without a handle or strap. Can be carried separately or within an approved plastic bag.
Per the event organizers, exceptions will be made “for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection at all gates.”
You can find a full list of regulations here.
What items can you bring to the race grounds?
Here is a list of sanctioned items allowed onto the race grounds:
Binoculars, scanners, and headsets (carrying bags must meet bag policy requirements).Empty non-metal cups with a maximum size of 32oz.Umbrellas, collapsible canvas wagons, umbrella strollers are permitted but cannot be used in grandstands, viewing platforms or in other structures (these items may be subject to additional security checks).Sunscreen, sunblock, hand sanitizer, and bug spray (aerosol, gel, or liquid forms).Signs and flags, up to what one person can hold (without sticks or poles) are permitted within the Venue but are not to be held in the grandstand or viewing areas in a manner that obstructs other guests’ views.
You can find a full list of regulations here.
What items are prohibited to bring to the race grounds?
Prohibited items include:
AlcoholAnimals (except service animals to aid guests with disabilities)Cameras with lens longer than 10” (detachable or non-detachable)Camera bags and casesChairs, stools or other seating devices (small, flat cushions with no zippers or pockets are permitted)FireworksFirearms and weapons of any kindFood itemsKnives of any lengthLaser pointersSigns or flags on sticks or poles, or larger than what one person can hold (3’x5’)Tripods, monopods and selfie-sticksVideo cameras and the use of video capable devices including GoPro devicesCoolers of any kind
Smoking on the race grounds is also strictly prohibited. This also includes e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
You can find a full list of regulations here.
What food is available on the race grounds?
There will be a variety of food available during the weekend — including offerings such as Checkered Flag Cheesesteak, Grand Prix Double Stack, Sliced Brisket Sandwich, Mac N Cheese, Turn Six Brisket Mac N Cheese and Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage.