What to know about D.C.'s Freedom 250 Grand Prix road closures and security
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Visitors watch a Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase earlier this month. Photo: Win McNamee/Win McNamee
Work is underway to get the District ready to host the Freedom 250 Grand Prix near the National Mall.
Why it matters: D.C. has already experienced a wave of closures, crowds and security during the 250th birthday summer — and the Grand Prix will bring even more.
State of play: The event is expected to be huge, with 260,000 tickets already distributed and roughly 140,000 daily attendees anticipated during the Aug. 22-23 event, officials said at a press conference Wednesday.
Traffic and parking restrictions are already in effect downtown amid construction of the 1.7-mile race course and viewing areas.
- More roads surrounding the course will begin to close Saturday, with additional closures and restrictions going into effect leading up to the event's start on Aug. 22.
- Some of these restrictions will continue to be in place through September.
TLDR: Avoid driving downtown in August, if you can.
Zoom in: There will be a large law enforcement presence between the Secret Service, D.C. police, U.S. Park Police, and the FBI.
- Expect TSA-style checkpoints and a clear bag policy similar to the July 4 events — and no drones allowed.
- The race's security classification has been designated as SEAR 1, on par with the Super Bowl.
There will be extra WMATA service as needed, and expect significant bus detours.
Between the lines: Practice and qualifying events will take place Aug. 22, with the Grand Prix kicking off Aug. 23 at 1pm.
If you go: There are no more free general admission tickets available, but if you did score one, expect to watch the race from one of two designated areas with large screens and concession stands.
- There will also be a free fan activation zone on the National Mall between 12 and 7th streets.
- The event will also be streamed on FOX.