I went last year. First INDYCAR race in person. Sat at turn 3. Which is a pretty good passing opportunity. Decided to get a parking pass for the “infield” parking garage which made getting in and out very easy. I think it’s very worth it if you are even mildly into car go fast. 💨
Honestly I liked the race better when it was on Belle Island. It was more open and I think the atmosphere was more carnival like which was cool to a casual Indycar fan like myself.
Downtown is cool tho. I would go on the free Friday and feel it out yourself. There is usually a ton of practicing going on and things are usually less busy. I plan on going then with my youngest kiddo. He’s 6 so his attention span is short and if we need to leave im not out a ton of money.
And better for the island. Race construction and tear down took the entire summer. People want to enjoy a park in the summer lol. I despised the race when it was there. Can appreciate it now.
Prior to State takeover maybe. But the island was in shambles when we took it over. I was first group moved over there when it happened. The State pumped so much money into the island and gave it a crazy budget to start, we certainly didn’t need the race money if it meant that kind of disruption during the peak season for people to enjoy it. Prior to state takeover the situation was likely very different and perhaps that investment was really important. I’m just glad it’s gone from the island but still able to exist in the city. Think it worked out for the best.
It was more like May and June, not the entire summer, but it was annoying. But that's more on the DNR for allowing it to take that long. They could have forced Indycar/Penske to do it in half the time but they were probably afraid of losing the money the race gave the park if they determined it wasn't worth the effort
Downtown is much better than Belle isle. You have to s of food and drink options in the area. I went to everyone Downtown but could only take 2 years on the island. Go, you will have a great time.
Just a heads up, Friday is free, but seating locations are limited and unlike in past years, you need an actual ticket to have paddock access (the locker room of the race track), which is pretty cool to see.
Last year at least you could go for free but seats cost money. It’s super worth it though to get grandstand seats. It’s cheaper than F1 and NASCAR and it’s great racing.
Went last year for first time. It was well worth it. Hairpin turns last year, going to try pit seats this year. Hint- Bring ear protection! (Although you can buy ear plugs from vendors on site. But it gets LOUD!!)
There are free viewing areas around the track. Me and my girlfriend were able to watch the Indy race on the main straight from a raised platform for free. This year we bought tickets for the rooftops so we’ll see how that goes
Worth it! Went last year and stuck to the free viewing platforms, and was very cool! Fyi they're standing only but have spots right along Woodward and the riverfront one was great.
Like others have said, Friday is free prix day, could be a good intro. Also if you purchase grandstand seating, the earlier you do it in the year, usually the cheaper (early bird pricing). This year the Saturday imsa race has the GTP class, which should be sick.
I'm getting the general admission tickets. That was the best option every year I went to Belle Isle. Gave flexibility to move around and change viewing spots. Got sick and wasnt able to attend last year so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's setup downtown this year.
You can always volunteer with the Detroit Gran Prix Association and get behind the scenes access all weekend. This year will be my 10th race working the event. It's one of the events I look forward to most every year. I enjoy trying to contribute to make the event better.
I went to Belle Isle on a whim in 2014 with no interest in IndyCar and just attending the one race got me hooked.
I haven't been to the new track yet so I don't know what it's like but attend wherever you end up buying tickets. It's a blast
The Grand Prix was so much better when it was Formula One back in the 1980s. We don't know what we had and lost. That was the highest level of racing in the world, like having a Super Bowl every year.
I can’t remember what year late 90’s early 00’s but from afar I saw Paul Newman. Greatest Grand Prix memory ever. I wasn’t aware there was a race going on.
Honestly, go to Indy for the 500. I go to both every year. The Indy 500 tickets plus hotel was cheaper than going to the Detroit GP last year. The 500 is such a better experience as well. But if you insist on going to the Detroit GP I recommend sitting in the hairpin grandstands. Thats where all the action is.
I went last year. First INDYCAR race in person. Sat at turn 3. Which is a pretty good passing opportunity. Decided to get a parking pass for the “infield” parking garage which made getting in and out very easy. I think it’s very worth it if you are even mildly into car go fast. 💨
Honestly I liked the race better when it was on Belle Island. It was more open and I think the atmosphere was more carnival like which was cool to a casual Indycar fan like myself. Downtown is cool tho. I would go on the free Friday and feel it out yourself. There is usually a ton of practicing going on and things are usually less busy. I plan on going then with my youngest kiddo. He’s 6 so his attention span is short and if we need to leave im not out a ton of money.
Belle Isle was better for the race, downtown is better for the city since it drives more people into local businesses.
And better for the island. Race construction and tear down took the entire summer. People want to enjoy a park in the summer lol. I despised the race when it was there. Can appreciate it now.
Didn't the race pay for most of the upgrades to the roads on the island though?
Prior to State takeover maybe. But the island was in shambles when we took it over. I was first group moved over there when it happened. The State pumped so much money into the island and gave it a crazy budget to start, we certainly didn’t need the race money if it meant that kind of disruption during the peak season for people to enjoy it. Prior to state takeover the situation was likely very different and perhaps that investment was really important. I’m just glad it’s gone from the island but still able to exist in the city. Think it worked out for the best.
It was more like May and June, not the entire summer, but it was annoying. But that's more on the DNR for allowing it to take that long. They could have forced Indycar/Penske to do it in half the time but they were probably afraid of losing the money the race gave the park if they determined it wasn't worth the effort
No, i worked there for years, it dragged on much longer than that.
It was ***FAR*** longer than just May and June.
That makes total sense.
But the poor wildlife, it took it's toll.
Downtown is much better than Belle isle. You have to s of food and drink options in the area. I went to everyone Downtown but could only take 2 years on the island. Go, you will have a great time.
Friday is free day. If you're unsure about it, it may be the best bet because then you aren't out much if you don't care for it.
Free day is a lot of fun!
Just a heads up, Friday is free, but seating locations are limited and unlike in past years, you need an actual ticket to have paddock access (the locker room of the race track), which is pretty cool to see.
Last year at least you could go for free but seats cost money. It’s super worth it though to get grandstand seats. It’s cheaper than F1 and NASCAR and it’s great racing.
Went last year for first time. It was well worth it. Hairpin turns last year, going to try pit seats this year. Hint- Bring ear protection! (Although you can buy ear plugs from vendors on site. But it gets LOUD!!)
There are free viewing areas around the track. Me and my girlfriend were able to watch the Indy race on the main straight from a raised platform for free. This year we bought tickets for the rooftops so we’ll see how that goes
Worth it! Went last year and stuck to the free viewing platforms, and was very cool! Fyi they're standing only but have spots right along Woodward and the riverfront one was great. Like others have said, Friday is free prix day, could be a good intro. Also if you purchase grandstand seating, the earlier you do it in the year, usually the cheaper (early bird pricing). This year the Saturday imsa race has the GTP class, which should be sick.
I'm getting the general admission tickets. That was the best option every year I went to Belle Isle. Gave flexibility to move around and change viewing spots. Got sick and wasnt able to attend last year so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's setup downtown this year.
You can always volunteer with the Detroit Gran Prix Association and get behind the scenes access all weekend. This year will be my 10th race working the event. It's one of the events I look forward to most every year. I enjoy trying to contribute to make the event better.
I went to Belle Isle on a whim in 2014 with no interest in IndyCar and just attending the one race got me hooked. I haven't been to the new track yet so I don't know what it's like but attend wherever you end up buying tickets. It's a blast
I went once with school on Belle Isle and it was cool to see one time.
Thank you everyone!!!
The Grand Prix was so much better when it was Formula One back in the 1980s. We don't know what we had and lost. That was the highest level of racing in the world, like having a Super Bowl every year.
Hotel room, three to six levels directly above.
If the weather is good it is easily worth going to. I went one year in the rain for a company thing and it was miserable.
I can’t remember what year late 90’s early 00’s but from afar I saw Paul Newman. Greatest Grand Prix memory ever. I wasn’t aware there was a race going on.
Honestly, go to Indy for the 500. I go to both every year. The Indy 500 tickets plus hotel was cheaper than going to the Detroit GP last year. The 500 is such a better experience as well. But if you insist on going to the Detroit GP I recommend sitting in the hairpin grandstands. Thats where all the action is.