Health & Fitness
Three More Years!
Long Beach City Council votes 8-0 (with one absent member) to extend the contract to hold the #1 IndyCar event in the country.
In a vote of 8-0, with one council member absent, the Long Beach City Council voted earlier this evening to extend the contract to hold the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach for an additional three years. They also voted two one-year extensions.
Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach gave a presentation which outlined the accomplishments of this past year, the 40th year which the race has drawn crowds for what he said, "They came. Young, old, parents, children came because it is a friendly environment. They came because it was a safe environment for them."
This year's event broke last year's attendance by over 10,000 people, with over 180,000 coming to enjoy the 10 different events that are offered during the three days of practice, qualifying and racing. There are also free events such as Roar On The Shore hosted in Belmont Shore, and of course the official street kick-off party on Pine Avenue, Thursday Thunder.
The three day event can be credited with bringing over $35 million to the city to the event itself, and also to the large to local businesses in Long Beach. Hotel capacity for the weekend was noted to be at nearly 96%, so if you are planning to come next year be sure to make your reservations early!
Also, the volunteers known as The Redcoats were able to raise over $5,000.00 for the Long Beach Police Association this year through various charity events. An additional $100,000 went to various charities in the Long Beach area, including the Short Stop Juvenile Crime Diversion Program.
One race fan, Michelle Dennis, gave her story of her experience of the race. "It was the biggest thing I had ever seen. I got engaged that weekend. I have attended the race pregnant twice. We took my daughter as a baby, and it was drizzling. We had her all bundled up, and the camera put her up on the big screen because she was the only child to brave the weather. She was known as 'The Lone Race Baby'."
Everyone who has ever been to the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach probably has a great story or memory to share. And it is great to know that there are may more years to come. The 45th is guaranteed with this contract and extension. But something tells me that Jim Michaelian is already looking forward to the 50th.
