Arlington's entertainment district is transforming into a race track this week as road closures take effect ahead of the city's first-ever IndyCar street race, the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, set for Sunday, March 15.
A major transformation is underway as city streets near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field are being turned into a temporary race circuit capable of speeds up to 180 mph. Road closures around the 36-acre venue began Monday as crews continued building the circuit, which features a 2.73-mile track with 14 turns.
Beginning at 3 a.m. Wednesday, North Collins Street near Randol Mill Road closed for track construction, with one southbound lane initially remaining open. The entire race course is expected to be fully closed by Friday morning.
Additional roads facing closures include AT&T Way, Cowboys Way, Stadium Drive/Ballpark Way and Nolan Ryan Expressway. Arlington Police spokesperson Tim Ciesco urged non-attendees to use Center Street or Cooper Street as alternate routes, and recommended race-goers use Waze or similar navigation apps to navigate around closures.
An Arrow McLaren Fan Fest kicks off Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Texas Live!, featuring driver appearances and live music, offering fans an early taste of race weekend ahead of Sunday's main event.
The Grand Prix of Arlington was announced in October 2024, bringing IndyCar back to the DFW area for the first time since Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth hosted its final IndyCar event in 2023. The Arlington street circuit was designed by Tony Cottman, who has designed several Champ Car and IndyCar street circuits. Its 0.9-mile main straightaway is the longest IndyCar will see on any street or road course this season.
The event is a partnership between Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, the official events partner of the Texas Rangers.
Dallas Cowboys legend DeMarcus Ware and Texas Rangers Hall of Famer Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez are scheduled to give the command to start engines for Sunday's race.
The weekend also features a concert series: All Time Low and Giovannie and the Hired Guns perform Friday, with Grammy-winning artist T-Pain and DJ Disco Lines closing out Sunday after the checkered flag. All admission tickets include concert access.
Sunday parking is priced at $55, with three-day passes available for $125. Arlington Police suggest attendees use Highway 360 and Division Street for south lots, and Road to Six Flags for east and north lots.
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