F1 report from Clark County tackles traffic and transportation issues, highlights tourism success
LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Clark County officials presented a long-anticipated debriefing report on the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, highlighting successes, challenges and a new mandate from leaders for the race: provide an expedited transportation plan by May 1.
County manager Kevin Schiller presented the report and economic highlights: visitor spending totaled $884 million, Grand Prix visitors spent 3.6 times the typical traveler, and [visitors] stayed 4.1 nights and spent more than $4,100 per trip.
The public presentation and forum was the promised speech outlet for Strip-area businesses and workers to voice their concerns over last year’s race and forthcoming races. FOX5 has told you about the forthcoming lawsuit from a group of businesses to prevent the return of the temporary Flamingo Bridge and demand compensation for business losses.
The city didn’t take into consideration the workers who work on the Strip. My co-workers and I felt like we were left out of the conversation. We got very little information about how we were going to get to and from work when we did find out, it was a week before the event,” a cocktail waitress said.
“F1 and the county came in and destroyed the business. Who can compensate us for all the losses?” said Mag Deamur, the owner of the shuttered Tex Mex Tequila. He said construction caused his sewer and power lines to get cut off, and workers could not get to work.
The bulk of the discussion among elected leaders was dominated by traffic and transportation concerns.
“Transportation has to come first... people need to know how to get to work,” Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick said. “Why can’t we have that information May 1?”
Kirkpatrick and others instructed county staff to request an expedited plan, earlier than the original June 19th designated deadline.
Betsy Fretwell, Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. COO released the following statement:
“As we plan for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, we continue to work with all local stakeholders to ensure expanded opportunities for the community. The county has provided helpful feedback and recommendations for a smoother implementation this year, and we have already begun addressing those recommendations. This year’s race preparations will be significantly streamlined, which will lead to far fewer traffic disruptions in a much shorter timeframe. While addressing the lessons learned of a first-year event, we are also proud of the tremendous success of our inaugural race, with a record of nearly $1.5 billion in economic impact and unmatched global exposure for our destination.”
See the photos below on what was discussed for each of these departments:
In the presentation, officials said the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department will have their own review of their role in last year’s race this spring.
In terms of the economic impact, the presentation says it totaled $329 million, excluding land acquisition costs and out-of-market purchases. The Las Vegas Grand Prix spent nearly $88 million on public infrastructure.
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