The introduction of the Las Vegas Grand Prix for the 2023 F1 season has been one of the most talked about additions to the calendar.
The popularity of the sport has increased greatly in the United States in recent years, partly thanks to the massive success of Netflix’s “Drive To Survive” docuseries about Formula 1.
Last season, the sport expanded from one Grand Prix in the United States to two with the addition of the Miami Grand Prix street circuit around Hard Rock Stadium. In 2023, that number is set to expand again, with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a night race, set to take place on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
And, in an era where there is more money in sport than ever before, and where an increasing amount of emphasis is placed on corporate events and marketing, the ticket packages are making more headlines than the sporting value the new Grand Prix venue will add to the Formula 1 circuit.
Las Vegas Grand Prix tickets
Tickets for the new race are already selling for eye-watering amounts. Hotels are offering luxurious all-inclusive packages for hundreds of thousands of dollars. The race looks to be the United States’ answer to the legendary Monaco Grand Prix.
Recently, a $1 million package for the event, due to take place on 16-18th November 2023, was making big news. However, it has now been revealed that there is also a $5 million ticket package which will be available from Caesars Entertainment.
Las Vegas Grand Prix: What a $5 million ticket package gets you
$5 million ticket package for the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The "Emperor's Package" will give the holder 12 tickets to the Paddock Club, which will give them access to the Pit Lane Walk and a private Caesars Entertainment space to watch the race as well as all-inclusive food and drinks.
The 12 lucky people will be able to attend a private dinner in the Nobu Sky Villa, hosted by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as a five-night stay. The villa has breathtaking views, an outdoor Zen Garden with a Japanese onsen tub, billiards table, media room, outdoor kitchen, full bar, sauna and private spa treatment room.
Getting around the Las Vegas strip won't be a worry for the ticket holders either as they will have a personal driver and Rolls-Royce for their stay and a butler service. They will have spa packages included for six of them and will have tickets to the sold-out "Weekends with Adele" concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.
Las Vegas Grand Prix: What a $5 million ticket package gets you
According to the Caesars Palace press release: "Caesars Entertainment unveils $5 million "Emperor Package" including five nights in the Nobu Sky Villa At Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace with superior views and access to events and experiences during race weekend.
"Lavish package also includes private culinary experience with chef, 24-hour butler and driver service as well as access to hospitality offerings at the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Grand Prix."
The price of a Grand Prix in Las Vegas
Sadly, it is clear that this Grand Prix is not one that will be easy for many genuine Formula 1 fans to attend. Although it is a sporting event, it’s also a place to see and be seen. Many so-called influencers and celebrities will want to be there to boost their profiles, and the biggest hotels on the famous Strip are trying to out-do each other by offering the most lavish package.
Some people question whether any buyers will be found for such an elaborate package, however, it is all part of the promotional game. The perception that casinos who collaborated on bringing F1 to Las Vegas are trying to outdo each other with their treatment of ‘VIPs’ only serves to keep the spotlight on a race in which all parties have a shared interest.
Previous attempts at racing in Las Vegas have not delivered long-term success. F1’s last appearance there was one of several events which had short lifespans, an outcome the Grand Prix organisers are eager to avoid.
IndyCar has also used Las Vegas in the past, but has not returned since the horrific 2011 crash which killed Dan Wheldon in the series’ self-styled ‘world championship’ race.
For F1’s return in 2023, the boxes that needed to be ticked appear to have been achieved. A city centre location with views of and racing on the iconic Last Vegas Strip, a late start time which will give lower temperatures that should make the event less arduous for drivers and teams and plenty of scope to develop off-track packages to make the event sustainable as a long-term fixture on the F1 calendar.
Las Vegas Grand Prix: What a $5 million ticket package gets you
The logistical impact of an F1 race on the streets of the city was always going to complicate matters for casinos who rely on footfall for revenue. This will be addressed via the construction of many bridges around the site to ease the passage of workers and punters.
F1’s arrival will inevitably disrupt the casinos’ business, which is why it was vital to get them on-side. They are promoting the race as much as possible ahead of its November 2023 date, and the marketing of these multi-million Las Vegas Formula 1 packages is just an example.
Some in the city are already talking about the Grand Prix being its first billion-dollar event.
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