The 3.8-mile track was the first North American circuit to take over existing city streets. Drivers raced past iconic Las Vegas locations including the Sphere (pictured), Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and The Venetian.Photo: Cristiano Barni/Shutterstock.com
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LAS VEGAS—The Las Vegas Strip might be one of the most well-known streets in the world—so shutting it down every day from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. was no easy feat for organizers of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix. And that's before you take on the challenge of hosting the only F1 circuit in North America to ever be built on city streets—streets that needed to be drivable during the day.
The challenge accounts for some of the event's $500 million price tag, which included repaving streets along the 3.8-mile track, plus removing medians and palm trees and adding a reported 1,750 light units, 18 grandstands, 10 hospitality club structures, 7.6 miles of track barriers, four extra vehicular bridges, and three pedestrian bridges, according to The Washington Post. Organizers also built the permanent paddock building, a 300,000-square-foot, four-story venue adjacent to the Strip that will serve as a central hub for future editions of the race.
The track wasn't the only thing that was a massive logistical feat. In one illuminating, by-the-numbers example of what some of the adjacent spaces and events required: Event design company Blueprint Studios was tasked with creating 285,000 square feet of hospitality space for the Grand Prix—and the resulting work required more than 150 semis filled with lighting and decor, a three-month install and strike requiring more than 300 crew members, and 9,999 linear feet of fabric and vinyl graphics.
American Express, Heineken, and Sports Illustrated each hosted their own experiences offering prime racetrack views, while Williams Racing, Neiman Marcus, Puma, T-Mobile, Michelob ULTRA, and others created interactive fan zones throughout the week.
While the event wasn't without its setbacks—including months of traffic congestion, unexpectedly cold weather, and a loose drain cover that canceled a practice session early on—it was expected to fuel $1.3 billion in economic activity, more than twice the projected total for the 2024 Super Bowl. Scroll down to see inside some of the major parties and activations from the celebrity-packed week in Sin City.
Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix's Hospitality Spaces
The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix company tapped Blueprint Studios to design and produce its three official hospitality spaces, which included all the structures along Koval Lane plus a double-decker tent known as Skybox. The company was looking for three distinct designs that could be marketed to large groups, teams, and brands. Ultimately, Blueprint Studios constructed more than 285,000 square feet of hospitality space, along with two activation areas along the Paddock walkway.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
One activation space was a vibrant coffee shop with a neon-inspired theme, while the other was a Vegas-appropriate casino and wedding chapel (pictured). VIP attendees could enjoy customized gaming tables and slot machines—or even participate in their own wedding ceremony or vow renewal officiated by an Elvis impersonator.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
For the hospitality rooms themselves, Blueprint Studios was asked to center the designs around three themes, including one inspired by classic Las Vegas.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
Another hospitality space, sponsored by Heineken, took on a “Neon House” theme. It featured programming by Corso Marketing Group.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
The neon-inspired space made an impact with oversize driver helmets as decor.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
The third space took on an “F1 Legacy” theme.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
In a fun touch, Pirelli tires were used as coffee tables.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
Blueprint Studios also designed and created custom decor pieces like a 12-foot chrome wing statue adorned by two F1 marquee logos.
Photo: Courtesy of Blueprint Studios
The American Express Fan Experience
American Express is the official payments partner of F1 in the Americas and the Las Vegas Grand Prix—and open from Nov. 16-18 was the American Express Fan Experience at the North Koval Zone. The trackside, three-story activation was available to card members and three of their guests. On the ground level, guests could create a custom avatar featuring an animation of themselves getting into an F1 race car, or send a postcard featuring bespoke designs.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
Fans could also customize Las Vegas Grand Prix-themed merch.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
The second and third floors of the fan experience, meanwhile, were reserved exclusively for Platinum Card and Centurion members. In addition to the racetrack viewing decks, this space featured the Race Recovery Lab, where fans could hydrate with juices, relax, and get caffeinated. There were also refreshments from Moët Hennessy, Liquid Death, and chef Wolfgang Puck.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
Card members could also make their own F1-themed friendship bracelets.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
Las Vegas artist Mila May created a colorful Las Vegas Grand Prix-themed mural at the fan experience.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
F1 Las Vegas Hub Presented by American Express
Located at The Venetian Resort, the F1 Las Vegas Hub presented by American Express was a state-of-the-art retail store. Card members received access to a comfortable lounge seating area with places to charge their phones, plus exclusive access to purchase items from a race-inspired collaboration with Malbon.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
Amex Race Radios
Around the track, American Express card members had access to complimentary Amex Race Radios to tune in to all of the race action. And, when using an eligible Amex card for purchases, card members were able to receive a special commemorative light-up cup with a merchandise purchase at any official F1 merchandise location.
Photo: Jenna Fernandez for American Express
MGM Rewards F1 Show Car
MGM Resorts celebrated race weekend with the MGM Rewards F1 Show Car, which was displayed at the Las Vegas Grand Prix’s winner’s stage at the Bellagio Fountain Club, a rooftop hospitality deck that offered gourmet fare, racetrack views, and various performances. The unique car was 80% carbon fiber, the same material as the F1 cars that raced past it during the event weekend. Built in the U.K. in F1’s famous Motorsport Valley by F1 Authentics under an exclusive license from Formula 1, then traveling halfway around the globe, the car was one of only a handful produced for partners of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. To replicate the look of real racing cars, F1 Authentics used real CAD data supplied by F1 to manufacture the car during a 300-man-hour construction period overseen by former F1 engineers.
Photo: Courtesy of MGM Resorts
Hilton's "Stay on the Grid" Experience
Hilton celebrated race weekend with a series of "Stay on the Grid" parties, open to Hilton Honors members. Members could enjoy a DJ set from Paris Hilton on Friday night, plus an exclusive performance by Zedd on Saturday.
Photo: Getty Images
The events also included a recovery bar, a McLaren Racing Simulator, and a replica garage for fans to explore.
Photo: Getty Images
The Wynn’s Ultimate Race Week Kickoff Party
The Wynn kicked off its Ultimate Race Week celebration with an official welcome party, which hosted F1 teams, drivers, and other VIPs at Wynn Las Vegas following the official opening ceremony Nov. 15. The event, an invite-only cocktail reception at XS Nightclub, was created in collaboration with event design and production company The Firm. An expansive red carpet featured a large step-and-repeat with a three-dimensional border made from lacquer car-paint finish and LED lighting that emulated a racetrack.
Photo: Courtesy of The Firm
Celebrities and Formula 1 drivers—including Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc, and will.i.am—attended the event, which also saw a performance from Marshmello (pictured).
Other Ultimate Race Week events at Wynn properties included an auction, in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, that featured legendary racing cars and more; Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, which highlighted a collection of more than 250 distinctive automobiles from around the world; and Robb Report’s luxury House of Robb experience.
Other Ultimate Race Week events at Wynn properties included an auction, in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, that featured legendary racing cars and more; Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, which highlighted a collection of more than 250 distinctive automobiles from around the world; and Robb Report’s luxury House of Robb experience.
Photo: Courtesy of The Firm
Oracle Red Bull Racing's LV GP Livery Reveal
At midnight on Nov. 14, Oracle Red Bull Racing revealed its Las Vegas Grand Prix livery in true Las Vegas style: descending from the ceiling of OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace. The car’s design was generated via the Make Your Mark Campaign; ultimately, Lindsay Palmer from Essex, U.K., was picked from thousands of fan entries for her purple design that evoked pink and yellow neon lights.
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
The reveal was celebrated with flashing lights, fire effects, and confetti.
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
T-Mobile's Club Magenta
T-Mobile’s partnership with the Las Vegas Grand Prix included activating at the race’s opening ceremony, the T-Mobile Zone at the Sphere and the Club Magenta fan space within, and at a nearby T-Mobile retail store on the Las Vegas Strip. Ticket holders enjoyed performances at the T-Mobile Stage in the T-Mobile Zone at Sphere, and T-Mobile customers had access to the “Club Magenta” lounge with private bars, free device charging, daily giveaways, and views of the action. The brand worked with 160over90 for partnerships, strategy, experiential, PR, social, and talent support, with the agency tapping WME to secure an appearance by driver Jamie Chadwick at Club Magenta.
Photo: Courtesy of 160/90
Jack Daniel's and Universal Music Group's F1 Party
On Nov. 15, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey kicked off the weekend with performances by Coi Leray, Swae Lee (pictured), and Nav, plus a surprise set from Mustard. Held at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the event featured specialty Jack cocktails.
Photo: Jerritt Clark/Getty Images
Williams Racing's Fanzone Experience
Williams Racing hosted an off-track fan zone, giving attendees the chance to hop into a Williams eSports rig to drive the Las Vegas circuit, shop the Williams Racing merch collection, stop by a fragrance bar, and get photos with 2023 drivers Alex Alton and Logan Sargeant. The experience, which was held at the Brooklyn Bride at the New York-New York hotel, took place Nov. 13-18; other activities included live Q&As, a heritage zone showcasing the brand’s history, digital portraits from a resident artist, a Michelob ULTRA Bar, and more. Attendees included will.i.am (pictured), Gordon Ramsay, Shaq, and Axl Rose.
Photo: Williams Racing Garage
Turn 66
On Nov. 17 and 18, Allē Lounge on 66 transformed into "Turn 66," an exclusive late-night hospitality series by experiential partner CMG (Corso Marketing Group) following the evening race and qualifying night run. Hosted by global hospitality leader Richie Akiva, the two-night post-race celebration was perched above the Las Vegas Strip on the 66th floor of Resorts World's Crockfords Tower. The event featured 360-degree views; drinks made with top-shelf spirits, Heineken Silver, and Red Bull; and performances from DJs including DJ Pee .Wee (aka Anderson .Paak), Guy Gerber, Kaz James, Ruckus, Vice, Carlita, DJ Tennis, Swayló, and Miramar.
Photo: Courtesy of Corso Marketing Group
Michelob ULTRA Trackside
Working with 160over90 across partnerships, experiential and creative, the Williams Racing partner transformed Beerhaus restaurant and bar into the Michelob ULTRA Trackside, complete with full bar branding, racing simulators, and an appearance from team driver Logan Sargeant.
Photo: Courtesy of 160/90
Michelob ULTRA also served up samples at the Williams Fan Zone on the Brooklyn Bridge at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino with a branded bar in the space.
Photo: Courtesy of 160/90
Off Grid's VIP Suite
From Nov. 16-18, hospitality concept Off Grid—in collaboration with Innovative Dining Group—presented its VIP Race Weekend Viewing Suite at The Forum Shops at Caesars, featuring a flowing open bar featuring Wolfie's Whisky, Casamigos, Red Bull, Peroni, and Champagne Telmont. The event in collaboration with Haute Living also featured an elaborate raw bar, passed BOA Steakhouse specialties, and Sushi Roku sushi and sashimi. Golden Reserve Caviar offered a caviar bar Thursday and Friday, while Saturday featured Imperia Caviar tastings. There was also music by POOKIE on Friday and REIGN on Saturday, with a closing set by DJ Whoo Kid post-race on Saturday.
The event was produced by Hoozin, Peter Klein's Off Grid, and Capture Studios with IDG. Raised platforms were built under rear-level booths to make stadium viewing possible via the large, oversize windows; all the furniture by the front windows was also removed and replaced with floating high-tops. In areas without windows, large screens featured the race's real-time feed.
The event was produced by Hoozin, Peter Klein's Off Grid, and Capture Studios with IDG. Raised platforms were built under rear-level booths to make stadium viewing possible via the large, oversize windows; all the furniture by the front windows was also removed and replaced with floating high-tops. In areas without windows, large screens featured the race's real-time feed.
Photo: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Haute Living
Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster, along with his bandmates, attended on Saturday, with Stewart also hosting an intimate 30-person dinner in the Sushi Roku private room in collaboration with Haute Living following his performance that night alongside notable artist Johnathan Schultz.
Photo: Greg Doherty/Getty Images for Haute Living
SiriusXM Pandora's F1 Event
SiriusXM Pandora hosted an evening event at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan that featured a performance from musician Jack Harlow. NVE Experience Agency handled production, creative, strategy, and experiential for the event.
Photo: Getty Images
Sponsor activations at the Pandora event included a winner’s podium photo moment, a custom screen-printed tote bag giveaway, specialty cocktails, and more.
Photo: Getty Images
Volcan X.A “Pop-Up” Bar at Wynn Las Vegas
Volcan de Mi Tierra served as the official tequila partner for the race—and the brand popped up in a number of locations throughout the weekend, including at the Volcan X.A “Pop-Up” Bar (pictured) in the lobby of the Wynn, where fans could taste the race’s signature cocktail and interact with the limited-edition bottle. Bottle service was also available at the official kickoff party at XS Nightclub, at Zouk Nightclub during a performance from Travis Scott, and at the official after-party at OMNIA Nightclub.
Photo: Atiba Jefferson
Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix Track
The 3.8-mile track was the first North American circuit to take over existing city streets. Drivers raced past iconic Las Vegas locations including the Sphere (pictured), Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and The Venetian.
Photo: Cristiano Barni/Shutterstock.com
