By Las Vegas is now not only famous for its casinos and being one of the top entertainment destinations of the world. It would be safe to assume that Formula1 has immensely contributed to Las Vegas’s image as a global sports destination.
On 19th November, Las Vegas Grand Prix Inc. completed the inaugural weekend of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix, which was a thrilling racing experience to say the least. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen held off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and teammate Sergio Perez as a capacity crowd enjoyed the event. The event took place on the newly constructed Las Vegas Strip Circuit and the event attracted an attendance of 3.15,000.
However, we need to keep in mind that the growing prominence of Las Vegas as a sports destination has been taking place for quite many years. In recent years, Las Vegas has added NHL and NFL franchises and hosted international sports competitions prior to hosting F1.
But the recently held Grand Prix, which featured the top players in car racing such as reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has given a huge fillip to Las Vegas’ position as one of the important sports cities of the US.
Fans descended on Las Vegas for the event, flooding hotels, restaurants, casinos and other area businesses, bringing an estimated economic impact of 1.2 billion USD. The fans packed into the sport’s newest venue to not only enjoy a spectacular duel between Verstappen and Leclerc, but also to enjoy top-tier hospitality and entertainment.
A host of celebrities also came to the event which included Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham and Brad Pitt among others, which gave the event even more star power and provided even more excitement to the fans.
“Las Vegas Grand Prix has set the new standard for Formula 1 racing, and we are glad to have been a part of the event’s immense success,” said Tom Reeg, Chief Executive Officer of Caesars Entertainment. “When the LVGP was announced, becoming a Founding Partner was an easy decision, both for our business and our valued guests. Everything in Las Vegas is larger than life, and the show that the LVGP and the drivers put on this weekend reflected the best of our legendary city,” he added further.
“LVGP would like to extend congratulations to Max and the entire Red Bull team for a phenomenal showing – we are thrilled you have established your place in history as our inaugural winner. I want to thank all our elected officials, public safety providers, and community leaders whose dedication was essential to putting on a safe, secure and entertaining event for all. I would also like to thank our founding partners, sponsors and the talented LVGP team for their tireless efforts in putting together such a successful race weekend. We are even more excited than ever for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix,” explained Renee Wilm, Chief Executive Officer of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.
The idea of the Las Vegas Grand Prix began to take shape following Liberty Media’s purchase of Formula 1 in 2017, with the objective to increase the global reach of the motorsport series. Initially it seemed like a pipe dream but eventually Renee Wilm, Chief Executive Officer of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, managed to actualise the idea of having a night-time race on the Las Vegas Strip. And now the impact of Formula 1 has greatly heightened the image of Los Angles on global sports scenario.
“Thanks to the Las Vegas Grand Prix, our city will have its best November in history, ” said Steve Hill, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Working with Renee and the LVGP team to bring this race from concept to completion has been extremely rewarding. The benefits of this race are both profound and broad and will drive record economic and fiscal impact of more than $100 million in tax revenue to the Las Vegas community. We celebrate the successes of this inaugural race and look forward to what the LVGP has in store for years to come.”
“The Las Vegas Grand Prix has achieved much in its inaugural year,” said Craig S. Billings, Chief Executive Officer of Wynn Resorts Ltd. “Standing up an event of this scale is no small feat. Wynn Las Vegas was proud to partner with F1, a number of teams, manufacturers and drivers on numerous events during the week and the reception from our patrons was exceptional. The LVGP achieved a level of spectacle that can only happen in Las Vegas,” he expressed.
Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. also announced that it was now accepting deposits for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024, which is scheduled to take place during 21st-23rd November 2024.
