7:00am | Location, location, location—it’s king in real estate, and those with prime location get treated like royalty during the annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long. High-rise condominium owners and commercial property owners in the right location for a good view of the series of racing events from April 16-18 will be hosting events or informal gatherings that people clamor to get into.
At Aqua Towers on Ocean Avenue, and few doors away at the International Tower, for instance, there are house parties galore. You’ve gotta know, and be liked by, owners of those places to get in. At commercial properties, including several downtown Long Beach hotels, one can find corporate and civic events overlooking the 1.97-mile, 11-turn race track through the streets of downtown Long Beach surrounding the Long Beach Entertainment and Convention Center.
There are several great public vantage points that can be had for the price of admission.
Grandstands lining the circuit include reserved seating, limited general admission seats, and seating for various hospitality club ticket packages, so there are several great vantage points to be had during the race, and ticket holders are free to get up from their grandstand seats and seek out the best spots.
One of the best views is over at the Mai Tai Bar and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. at the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, where racegoers can get up-close and personal with what may be the toughest turn on the track near a statue of spinner dolphins between the Pike and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The turn is known as a place where the race can be won or lost as well as for some of the wrecks that happen there. In fact, race organizers keep a crane at the turn to quickly remove wrecked vehicles from the spot.
As bonus, and if you want to buy a few drinks for some food, you can get into the Mai Tai Bar and get treated to live music. The establishment also has a live feed of the race inside both Bubba Gump and Mai Tai Bar so guests can experience the race and get deals on food and booze throughout the Grand Prix events. “We have the best view of the track, unbeatable drink specials, delicious fresh food, live feed of the race, and hottest spot to be during Grand Prix,” says Johanna Duterte, sales manager for both Bubba Gump and Mai Tai.
However, there are many establishments that offer views and deals during the race, so make sure you scout around—cruising around the course is a big part of the race experience.
Perhaps Aqua Condominiums on Ocean offers the best bird’s eye view of the Grand Prix. The twin 18-story towers rise above Shoreline Drive, and some of the units look straight down on a high-speed straightway on which drivers approach speeds of 200 hundred miles per hour. As I said, to get one of these views you either have to own a condo in a place like Aqua or be invited to one of the exclusive parties condo owners are known to hold during racing weekend. If it’s “no” on both, don’t fret. Realty Bites will be bringing you coverage of some of that revelry during the race, so stay tuned.
Racing events this year include the IZOD IndyCar Series, and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, which includes the return of Keanu Reeves, who will defend his 2009 race win, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and Christian Slater. Other racing events are: the Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series at Long Beach; Firestone Indy Lights; Team Drifting Challenge and the SCCA Pro World Challenge.
Admission prices start at $25 for Friday only general admission to $125 for a three-day ticket. Visit gplb.com for more information.