By Eric B. Larson
The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is excited as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear returns to the streets of Downtown. The 1.7-mile, 100-lap street circuit takes place May 31-June 2, 2024, along Jefferson Avenue, Bates, Atwater, St. Antoine, Franklin, and Rivard streets.
Coming off the success of the NFL Draft last month, we are expecting this year’s Grand Prix to draw new fans nationwide, which we anticipate will have a significant impact on local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. The DDP is working collectively with the Detroit Grand Prix Team and our partners to ensure a weekend of excitement that is certain to delight fans of all ages and backgrounds, within the race footprint and beyond.
Once again, this year’s event will offer free viewing options to 50 percent of the racetrack to ensure the race is accessible for all to enjoy. Additionally, DDP is hosting a viewing party in Campus Martius Park all three days. Most importantly, it also brings hundreds of local jobs in the areas of hauling, logistics, hospitality, and more.
The Detroit Grand Prix plays an important role in increasing Detroit’s visibility and providing substantial economic and social impact. Last year, the event attracted a record crowd of nearly 150,000 people over the three-day weekend and nearly 1,500 volunteers. Consequently, it is all hands-on deck to help bring another widely recognized event successfully across the finish line.
Events of this scale are supported by the dedicated work of the Downtown Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) Ambassadors, mostly comprised of Detroit residents. BIZ Ambassadors are contracted from the Downtown Business Improvement Zone to maintain and ensure that the Downtown area remains clean, safe and welcoming before, during, and after large events like the Detroit Grand Prix and NFL Draft. The team also provides logistical support and supplemental crowd management.
National broadcast viewers will witness the beauty, energy, and transformation of Downtown Detroit — a community booming with development, culture and an array of attractions, including our award-winning parks and public spaces.
DDP is curating fan festivities in the surrounding Campus Martius Park area, just north of the racing circuit. These attractions aim to highlight our community’s vibrancy and draw crowds to our local businesses.
Additionally, the Detroit Grand Prix will host the Small Business Straightaway in the award-winning Campus Martius Park. Business owners who represent each of the city’s seven districts will be at the center of the action, helping to boost the local economy beyond the Downtown and throughout the neighborhoods. This builds upon DDP’s Small Business Markets held throughout the year and at large events.
The fun will continue at a free Detroit Grand Prix Kickoff Concert, featuring electronic music sensations ILLENIUM and JVNA. The concert is on Saturday, June 1 at the new Cadillac Square Entertainment Stage, starting at 6:15 p.m.
Shining a spotlight on local youth, the Detroit Grand Prix recently unveiled murals created by young students from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan that will be proudly displayed on the trackside.
These are just a few of the ways the community benefits from this event.
DDP’s goal is always to ensure that large-scale events offered in Downtown Detroit are inclusive and enjoyable for all. Downtown is thriving, because it reflects the city and its residents.
The Detroit Grand Prix is one of the summer’s kick-off events, and a mainstay in the Motor City.
The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear is May 31-June 2.
For tickets and information, visit www.detroitgp.com.
Eric B. Larson is CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The Detroit Grand Prix is a subsidiary of the DDP.
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