Las Vegas police, Clark County Fire and Grand Prix organizers laid out their safety and traffic plan Thursday morning, Nov. 12, at Metro headquarters, one week before Formula 1 returns to the Strip for its fourth year. Officials expect roughly 200,000 attendees, with on-track action starting Thursday, Nov. 19, and the race itself set for 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21.
What officials announced
- Police presence: Metro Undersheriff Andrew Walsh said officers will be posted inside the venue, outside the perimeter and across the surrounding Strip, backed by hundreds of private security officers. He noted the first three races had no significant incidents but said the department is not becoming complacent.
- Pedestrian bridges: For a third year, safety enclosures are going up on public and private pedestrian bridges along the circuit to keep objects off the track and keep foot traffic moving.
- Fire and medical: Clark County Fire Chief Billy Samuels said crews and medical resources will be stationed at the venue and along the Strip, and a multiagency coordination center will work with 54 public and private agencies.
- Glass ban: Glass bottles are prohibited in public areas of the Strip and outside properties starting Tuesday, Nov. 17, through the end of the race. Weapons are banned inside the event footprint.
Road closures to plan around
Race-day closures cover portions of Las Vegas Boulevard, Koval Lane, Harmon Avenue and Sands Avenue from Thursday, Nov. 19, through Saturday, Nov. 21. Soft closures begin around 1 p.m. and hard closures at 3 p.m. On Thursday and Friday, roads are expected to start reopening around 10 p.m., with traffic flowing again around midnight. After Saturday’s race, reopening begins around midnight and all roads should be open by about 2 a.m. Sunday. Officials stress those times are estimates that depend on how fast crews clear the circuit.
Some changes start sooner: Koval Lane between Rochelle and Harmon avenues is fully closed beginning 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, and RTC’s race-week schedules for the Deuce and Routes 119, 202 and 203 run Nov. 17 to 25.
What it means for locals and visitors
- Avoid driving the Strip corridor after 1 p.m. on Nov. 19–21. Expect heavier traffic on nearby streets, and leave extra time even if you are not going to the race.
- Use the Monorail. It will be running, and locals can buy passes for $1.
- Know the rideshare spots. Pickups are set at Tuscany Suites and Casino, Park MGM, Howard Hughes Center and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
- Hospitality workers: An employee park-and-ride program runs Nov. 17 through Nov. 22. Check with your employer for lot details.
- Ticket holders: Gates open at 2:30 p.m. daily, and re-entry is allowed until 7 p.m. with a mobile ticket scan. Plastic or silicone water bottles are allowed, with refill stations inside. Check the bag policy in the F1LV app before you go.
- Get alerts: Text F1LV to 31996 for closure updates, or check RTC detours at rtcsnv.com.
- See something? Tell an officer or security staff, call 911, or use Metro’s 24-hour See Something, Say Something line at 702-828-7777.
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