Las Vegas club owners reject F1’s move to block their view of the race unless paid
With Formula 1 arriving on the Las Vegas strip in November, many of the area’s hot spots are outraged by what they see as the race track bulging them out for race entry.
Formula 1 has been given permission to run the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the city’s famous Strip until 2032. The first race is scheduled for this fall.
However, restaurants and clubs have learned that the league will charge at least $1,500 per person at trackside venues for licensing fees to operate during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
That would work out to about $2.25 million – for a venue that seats 1,500.
Sales representatives for F1 have said they will erect barricades in front of the venues to prevent people from seeing the race if they don’t pay the fee.
With Formula 1 arriving on the Las Vegas strip in November, many of the area’s hot spots are outraged by what they see as the racetrack gutting them for race access
“There is a real chance that the view will be obstructed with grandstands and barricades,” says a source. “I know the hotels are upset about it and trying to figure out if they want to play along.”
Others have suggested that blinding lights will be shone on the venues to ensure no one can see the race.
“They literally shake people down by saying they will block the view unless they pay them,” a casino owner told the New York Postwho received a letter sent to the locations described as a “subtle threat.”
“It seems insane for them to charge for a public event that takes place on the street.”
The move is often standard practice for F1 races, including the famous Monaco Grand Prix.
However, a Vegas exec told the Post that F1 is pressuring the race’s official sponsors to get one venue refusing to pay to get in line.
“There is a certain line that they cross [by] telling someone who has spent billions on their property that you close the Strip for construction and then ask them to pay for seats,” the source said.
Sales representatives for F1 have said they will put up barricades in front of the venues to prevent people from seeing the race if they don’t pay the fee
Restaurants and clubs have learned that the league will charge at least $1,500 per person at venues along the track for licensing fees to operate during the Las Vegas Grand Prix
An Oracle Red Bull Racing Formula 1 racing team car burns out on the Las Vegas Strip during the Las Vegas Grand Prix Launch Party
George Russell drives along the Las Vegas Strip during a demonstration at a launch party for the 2022 Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix
“They’re trying to limit people’s ability to profit from the race.”
VIP packages for the race are already well into the seven-figure range. In December, Caesars Entertainment unveiled its “Emperor Package,” which costs a whopping $5 million.
The package includes: a dozen Paddock Club passes during race week, tickets to an Adele concert at Caesars Palace, five nights in a suite with a 4,700-square-foot terrace overlooking the track, 24-hour butler service, use of a chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce, and a private meal with Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
There will be a VIP host to coordinate everything for Emperor Package guests, including nights at OMNIA Nightclub and Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace.
The villa also has a Zen outdoor garden with a Japanese onsen bath, a billiards table, a full bar, an outdoor kitchen, as well as a sauna and private spa treatment room, not to mention a private elevator.
The extravagant vacation is five times more expensive than a similar offering Wynn Las Vegas unveiled in November, and potentially pricier packages could be in store for Las Vegas in 2024, when the city hosts its first Super Bowl.
A general view as Sergio Perez’s car is moved into position during the 2023 Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix launch party
Adele can be seen opening night of ‘Weekends With Adele’ at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Nov. 18 in Las Vegas. Those who spend $5 million on the Emperor package will get two tickets to her sold-out show
Chef Nobu Matsuhisa serves sake at Nobu’s grand opening celebration at Paris Las Vegas on April 27 in Las Vegas, where lucky Emperor Package guests will receive a private meal
The Clark County Commission passed the motion in February, guaranteeing F1’s latest race in the gambling mecca for a decade.
The Vegas race is expected to be the most expensive sporting event on Formula 1’s calendar. Pricing starts at $500 for a three-day general admission pass.
Ahead of tickets going on sale for the first time in November, grandstand seating started at $2,500.
The 3.8-mile race takes in several of Vegas’ many landmarks, including the Bellagio Fountains, Mandalay Bay, Caesars Palace, and the new spherical MSG Sphere.