2023 Downtown Detroit Grand Prix Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Jake Newby

| 5 min read

More than 30 years have passed since race cars last zoomed through the streets of downtown Detroit for the Grand Prix. But the event is back for a new era. 
The 2023 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear will return to its Detroit roots between Friday, June 2 and Sunday, June 4 for three full days of racing excitement, activities, and entertainment across the hottest spots in the city. Before you head to the track, take a lap around this comprehensive "Prix-view."

Race information

There’s lots to do on Grand Prix weekend, but the focal point of it all happens on the track. The weekend lineup features cars from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, sports cars of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, INDY NXT by Firestone and the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli.
Practice and qualifying races fill up the Friday slate between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. Saturday features Trans Am Series, INDY NXT and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge races, respectively, between 10:35 a.m. and 5:50 p.m.
Then on Sunday, after another Trans Am Series showdown at 11 a.m. and a second INDY NXT race at 12:50 p.m., it’s grand finale time, when the always-exciting, 100-lap Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix take place between 3-6 p.m. Competitors will jockey for position on a 10-turn, temporary street circuit along Jefferson Avenue, Bates Street, Atwater Street, St. Antoine, Franklin Street and Rivard Street. The race length is 170 miles. For those watching at home, the Grand Prix will be broadcasted live on NBC.

Tickets and how to watch live

The new street circuit will provide multiple viewing perspectives free of charge. Viewing platforms on Jefferson Avenue will be available to watch the on-track action, while other views are offered along the Riverwalk near Winner's Circle.
General admission: Single day rooftop admission is $25 on Friday, $65 on Saturday, and $75 on Sunday. Multi-day rooftop admission pricing costs $120 for two days and $140 for three days. The Center Garage, located between Bates Street and Renaissance Drive, promises a fun rooftop atmosphere for fans, and features live music, a variety of concessions, BBQ grills and cocktails. Track viewing can be seen from the outer edge of the rooftop, which is standing-room general admission.
Reserved seating: All reserved seating is sold out for Sunday, the main race day, but grandstand tickets range from $50-$75 on Friday and $80-$125 on Saturday. Click here to learn more about reserved seating.
Comerica Bank Free Prix Day: Building on the tradition of "FREE Prix Day,” Grandstands 1 & 9 will be open to the public free of charge on June 2. Seating in these two grandstands will be general admission available on a first-come basis.
Click this link on the Detroit Grand Prix’s official website for info on hospitality options. The ticket hotline is 866-464-PRIX. They’ll have more info on available tickets and Paddock access.

Parking

The only parking structure within the venue that is available for public parking is the Franklin Garage. Parking spaces are limited and sold in advance only. Cost is $75 per day. Franklin Garage parking pass can be purchased here.
The following parking structures within the venue are not open for paid public parking during the event weekend: Millender Garage, Center Garage, Port Atwater Garage, Beaubien Garage, and River East Garage.
Many surface lots and alternate parking structures located within the downtown Detroit area are available for event parking. Be sure to keep these additional resources in mind: 
Drivers compete in the 2022 Grand Prix from Belle Isle.

What to bring to the Grand Prix: Insider Tips

Much like the race on the track, the Grand Prix can be a marathon to get through if you’re not prepared and comfortable. Here are some items to pack:
  • A comfy seat cushion (if you’re sitting in the grandstand)
  • A portable cell phone charger
  • A sunhat and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher is recommended)
  • Your most comfortable walking/athletic shoes
Cell service may be spotty at times, so keep this track map handy and plan to meet friends and family at a certain location in case you get split up.
Drivers compete in the 2021 Grand Prix from Belle Isle.

Entertainment lineup

The stars will be out in abundance for this year’s Grand Prix, where a variety of DJs, local bands, and national acts will showcase their talent throughout the weekend. The entertainment lineup will include some of the most popular performers in hip-hop and electronic music performing their hits at Hart Plaza.
Friday:
  • DJ and producer A-Trak: 6-7:15 p.m.
  • Big Boi (one half of the Atlanta duo OutKast): 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday:
  • Turntablist and producer Z-Trip: 5:30 p.m.
  • DJ, producer, and global electronic music superstar Steve Aoki: 7-8:30 p.m.

Detroit GP App

Get revved for the Grand Prix’s first downtown Detroit event since 199 with the new Detroit GP app! Providing the latest Chevrolet Grand Prix presented by Lear news, directions and key information, the Detroit GP app was designed to keep fans informed and connected leading up to race weekend. Download the app on Google Play and find it in the Apple App Store.
Photo credit: LAT USA/Detroit Grand Prix
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