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Toyota Grand Prix in Long Beach, CA - Suggestions?

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JeepinEd

JeepinEd

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I'm planning to take my 14 year old son to the Grand Prix next month. He is more into the exotic cars (Ferrari, Viper, Porsche, etc.) than he is into the actual Indy cars, so I'm planning to take him on Saturday, to watch the sports car race.

I've never been there, so I'm trying to figure out what tickets to purchase.
Is reserved seating worth the additional cost?
Does anyone have suggestions on parking, or public/train transport to the event?

Any suggestions or information will be greatly appreciated.
 
I love the grandstand after turn 1-2. You can see them slow down from the long, main straight and turn 90 degrees twice. I used to watch it when it was CART. Amazing how fast they bleed and gain speed.
I first bought tickets at the hairpin, the final turn before the main straight, but the novelty wears off fast. Not much done there.

Back when I went, GA wasn't too good. Maybe it's different now. I never worry about parking in Long Beach or downtown LA for big events. Everyone has lots open ready for that. Just come early, walk several extra blocks, and save the hassle.
For public transportation, I'll let someone else chime in on that.
I don't imagine it would be that busy for the support races on Saturday. At least you can still see the Indy Cars qualify. Your son might like that too.
 
Honestly, watching the race isn't a great experience (at least, it wasn't for me the only time I went). I went to one in Houston years back and it rained most of the day. We also were at one turn and had it just wasn't that good. Had we gotten pit passes or something, it might have been much better (and if the weather wasn't terrible), but the experience is far better watching at home.

I can't comment on that particular race, so it might be better set up.
 
For public transit the blue line is excellent as it stops literally a few blocks from the venue. It really couldn't be any better. Not sure where you're coming from through. I too went about 17 years ago. Sat in the hairpin. Tons of fun as I was about the same age as your son. We went in Sunday though.
 
I'm coming from the Antelope Valley, so I have to drive. I just thought there may be a spot where I can park (Downtown L.A.?) and take the train down, but it's probably easier to just park there.

I'm looking at the tickets and it seems as though reserved tickets are only for the section between turns 9 & 10. Not sure if it's worth it.
 
On Saturday there is general admission seating along the front straight. You shouldn't have any trouble getting a spot for that race. I think it is the last event on Saturday.

There is plenty of parking at the event. I've been going for decades and there are tons of lots you can park at near the track which is in downtown Long Beach, nowhere near downtown L.A. They charge around $20 for all day parking, you might find some lots that are cheaper farther away but you'll do a lot of walking anyway so I prefer parking closer.
 
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