The inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas event is set to take place this weekend. Boardroom breaks down how much tickets may run, the marquee events of the weekend, and more.
What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
The inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas GP is set to take place this weekend. However, the run-up to the Formula 1 race has been far from seamless. During a pre-race run, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz raised a red flag when a loose drain cover nearly nicked his multi-million dollar vehicle. Race authorities canceled the practice round to try to orchestrate a quick fix, but racing aficionados are concerned about what the snafu may signal for the main event.
However, the race itself is only a small part of the spectacle. The weekend is chock-full of big-ticket, star-studded events, bringing together some of the biggest stars in sports, music, and entertainment. And while ticket demand may be lower than expected, the show must go on.
When all is said and done, the race is expected to demonstrate an estimated $1.7 billion impact on the local economy, placing it inside the top 10 in US sports history.
Boardroom breaks down everything you need to know for the race weekend.
Get on our list for weekly sports business, industry trends, interviews, and more.
Getting Into the Event
Once the hottest ticket in town, Las Vegas GP tickets are steadily declining in price. The venue holds 105,000 people, and as of Friday, one could score a ticket to Saturday’s main event for just over $800 on StubHub. Just last month, the lowest ticket on the market would run you $1,645.
However, even with the slowdown, StubHub reports that the F1 Vegas Grand Prix is the top-selling Formula 1 event of the year on the platform and among the highest-selling global sporting events of 2023.
Racing fans must also beware that the track area goes “hot” each night from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., locking down the streets along Sin City’s main strip. Saturday night’s race starts at 10 p.m. local time, meaning East Coast fans must fuel up on caffeine for the 1 a.m. start.
Stacking the Schedule
Even the most casual Formula 1 fan can stay entertained throughout race weekend. Some of the biggest names in music and entertainment will be hosting marquee events along the strip to celebrate the event.
VISTA Las Vegas
Las Vegas local Mark Wahlberg will host what is being labeled as the ultimate race weekend event. Friday night’s kickoff event takes place at the Drai rooftop terrace. In addition to the celebrity host, the event is teaming with McLaren and will offer partygoers an up-close-and-personal view of an official F1 car. While there are many packages, the VIP Cabana will run you $89,400 for 12 guests, providing access to the poolside setup for three days.
T-Mobile Zone at Sphere Stage
The Sphere is 2023’s most exciting entertainment venue. The MSG Entertainment-run space will host J Balvin, Major Lazer, and Mark Ronson over the course of the weekend. Additionally, attendees will be treated to some standard Vegas attractions, as Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil will also make their mark. Even the food will have a Sin City standard, as Wolfgang Puck curates a globally-inspired menu customized for the event.
Club SI
Sports Illustrated dropped $1 million on its custom clubhouse. The weekend lineup includes appearances from fellow Authentic Brands Group darlings Shaquille O’Neal and David Beckham. The kickoff featured a live podcast taping with Dax Shepherd. Plus, attendees will get access to a gourmet suite of dining options. However, the weekend’s 3-day pass will run you $7,000.
Wynn Million Dollar All-Access Experience Inclusions
The Wynn is a Vegas staple, and to commemorate the first-ever event, it has assembled a number of premium packages for F1 fans to celebrate the race weekend. The top tier, all-access experience includes a whole host of luxury perks, such as A double magnum – a jeroboam – of Dom Perignon, exclusive access to the pit and race track, a four-night stay in a 5,800 square foot suite, and much much more.
2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix Odds
And, of course, you’ll be able to bet on the big race. Let’s check the futures odds to win the Grand Prix at FanDuel Sportsbook as of Nov. 17, 2023.
Outright Winner
- Max Verstappen -240
- Charles Leclerc +500
- Lando Norris +1400
- Sergio Perez +1600
- Lewis Hamilton +2200
- Fernando Alonso +3400
Team of Winning Driver
- Red Bull -290
- Ferrari +430
- McLaren +1000
- Mercedes +1600
- Aston Martin +3500
- Alfa Romeo +14000
Read More:
