How to Save on Long Beach Grand Prix Tickets

The Long Beach Grand Prix is more than just a race—it’s a world-class motorsport spectacle, a celebration of speed, engineering, and Southern California culture. Held annually on the streets of downtown Long Beach, this iconic event draws hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe. But with its prestige comes a premium price tag. General admission tickets can quickly climb into the hundreds, while premium grandstand seats and hospitality packages often exceed $1,000. The good news? With the right strategy, you can experience the thrill of the Long Beach Grand Prix without breaking the bank. This comprehensive guide reveals proven, actionable methods to save significantly on Long Beach Grand Prix tickets—whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned race fan.

Understanding how ticket pricing works, when to buy, where to look, and how to leverage discounts and promotions can mean the difference between a memorable weekend and a financial strain. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from early planning to last-minute deals, backed by real-world examples and expert tips. By the end, you’ll have a clear, step-by-step roadmap to securing the best possible value for your Long Beach Grand Prix experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Start Planning at Least 6–9 Months in Advance

The single most effective way to save on Long Beach Grand Prix tickets is to plan early. Ticket sales typically open between October and December for the following year’s event. Early-bird pricing is often 20–40% lower than regular admission and is available for a limited time. Waiting until the spring or just weeks before the event means you’ll pay full price—or worse, face sold-out sections.

Set a calendar reminder for late October. Visit the official Long Beach Grand Prix website and sign up for their email newsletter. This ensures you receive the earliest notification when tickets go on sale. Many fans miss out simply because they assume tickets won’t be available until January. In reality, early access is often granted to newsletter subscribers and loyalty program members before the public sale.

Choose the Right Ticket Type

Not all tickets are created equal. The Long Beach Grand Prix offers multiple tiers of access, each with vastly different price points:

• General Admission (GA): The most affordable option. GA tickets grant access to the infield and selected viewing areas. Prices typically range from $45–$85 for a single day.
• Grandstand Seats: Reserved seating with elevated views. Prices vary by location and day, ranging from $90–$350 per ticket.
• Paddock Club / Hospitality Packages: Premium experiences with food, drinks, and exclusive access. These can cost $500–$1,500+.
• Multi-Day Passes: Often offer better per-day value than buying individual day tickets.

For most fans, General Admission is the smartest starting point. You can still see the cars roar past key corners like the famous “Bus Stop” and the final chicane. Many GA areas also feature large video screens, live commentary, and interactive exhibits. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, consider a mid-tier grandstand—avoid the premium corners unless you’re a hardcore enthusiast.

Buy Multi-Day Tickets Instead of Single-Day

Many fans assume they only need to attend on race day—Sunday. But the Long Beach Grand Prix is a three-day event: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday is often the most affordable day, with practice sessions and qualifying races. Saturday features the main support series and qualifying for the IndyCar main event. Sunday is the race day spectacle.

Purchasing a 3-day pass can save you up to 30% compared to buying three individual tickets. Even a 2-day pass (Friday + Sunday or Saturday + Sunday) offers significant savings. Many fans find that attending Friday or Saturday provides a more relaxed atmosphere, better parking access, and the chance to see drivers up close during autograph sessions.

Look for Group Discounts

If you’re planning to attend with friends, family, or coworkers, group discounts are a powerful tool. The Long Beach Grand Prix offers group pricing for parties of 10 or more. These discounts typically range from 10–20% off regular ticket prices.

Organize your group early and designate one person to handle the purchase. Group tickets are often available only through direct contact with the event’s sales team or via their official website’s group sales portal. Don’t wait until the last minute—group slots fill up quickly, especially for popular grandstand sections.

Consider Off-Peak Days and Times

Not all race days are equal. Friday tickets are consistently the cheapest and least crowded. If your schedule allows, prioritize Friday. You’ll get the same access to the track, the same atmosphere, and the chance to see the cars at full speed—without the Sunday crowds. Many professional photographers and content creators attend Friday specifically for this reason.

Even within a single day, timing matters. General Admission tickets for morning sessions (9 AM–12 PM) are sometimes priced lower than afternoon or evening sessions. Check the daily schedule on the official website and plan your arrival around less popular time blocks.

Use Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

While not always advertised, the Long Beach Grand Prix occasionally offers special pricing for students, active military personnel, veterans, and seniors. These discounts can range from 10–25% off regular ticket prices.

To qualify, you’ll typically need to present a valid ID at the gate or upload documentation during online checkout. Check the official website’s “Special Offers” or “Tickets” page for any current promotions. If you don’t see it listed, reach out through the official contact form—many event organizers will honor discounts even if they’re not prominently displayed.

Bundle with Local Deals

Long Beach and surrounding areas often partner with the Grand Prix to offer bundled deals. For example, some hotels offer “Race Weekend Packages” that include discounted tickets with room stays. Local businesses like restaurants, parking garages, and public transit providers may also offer promo codes or reduced rates for attendees.

Search for “Long Beach Grand Prix hotel package” or “Long Beach Grand Prix parking deal” on Google. Look for partnerships with the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau or Visit Long Beach. These bundles can save you $100–$300 when you factor in lodging, parking, and meals.

Wait for Last-Minute Releases (With Caution)

While early purchase is ideal, some fans successfully save money by waiting. Occasionally, unsold tickets are released 7–14 days before the event at discounted rates. These are often returned tickets or leftover inventory from corporate packages.

Set up alerts on the official ticketing site and follow the event’s social media channels. Some last-minute deals are announced exclusively via Twitter or Instagram. Be prepared to act fast—these deals disappear within hours. This strategy carries risk: you might not get your preferred seating. But if you’re flexible and just want to be there, it’s a viable option.

Buy Resale Tickets Through Verified Platforms

Resale markets can be a double-edged sword. While ticket scalpers may inflate prices, verified resale platforms like Ticketmaster Resale, StubHub, and Vivid Seats often have sellers offering tickets below face value—especially as the event nears.

Always use platforms with buyer protection. Avoid Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, where scams are common. Filter searches for “price low to high” and look for listings marked “Verified” or “100% Guaranteed.” Many sellers list tickets at or below face value because they can’t attend or want to recoup costs quickly.

Pro tip: Check resale listings 3–5 days before the event. That’s when the most price drops occur as sellers try to offload tickets before the weekend.

Best Practices

Never Buy from Unverified Third Parties

Scams are rampant around major events. Fake ticket websites, phishing emails, and counterfeit tickets are common. Always purchase directly from the official Long Beach Grand Prix website (longbeachgp.com) or authorized resellers like Ticketmaster.

Look for HTTPS in the URL, official logos, and clear return policies. If a deal seems too good to be true—like $20 tickets to the Paddock Club—it almost certainly is.

Track Price History with Browser Extensions

Use tools like Honey, Keepa, or CamelCamelCamel (adapted for events) to track ticket pricing trends. While these are primarily designed for e-commerce, some browser extensions can monitor official ticketing pages for price changes. Set alerts for when ticket prices drop after initial release.

Even if the price doesn’t change, monitoring helps you understand the normal pricing curve. If you see a $120 grandstand ticket drop to $95 two weeks before the event, you’ll know it’s a genuine deal—not just a marketing gimmick.

Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

Many credit cards and cashback apps offer rewards on event ticket purchases. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Swagbucks sometimes feature promotions for Long Beach Grand Prix tickets. If you’re using a credit card with travel or entertainment rewards, you may earn points or statement credits.

For example, a card offering 5% cashback on entertainment purchases could return $20–$40 on a $400 ticket bundle. Combine this with a discount code, and your savings compound.

Attend During Off-Season Years

While the Long Beach Grand Prix is held annually, the format and participating series can vary slightly. In years when Formula 1 is not part of the event (it was absent from 2020–2022), ticket demand may be lower. In those years, prices are often more competitive.

Research past lineups. If you’re flexible on which series you want to see, consider attending during a “transition year” when the event is rebuilding its lineup. You’ll still get top-tier IndyCar racing and support series like Formula Regional Americas or Porsche Carrera Cup—all at a lower cost.

Bring Your Own Food and Drinks

While this doesn’t reduce your ticket price, it significantly lowers your total event cost. Concessions at the Grand Prix are expensive—$15 for a soda, $18 for a hot dog. The venue allows fans to bring in sealed bottled water and small, non-glass containers of snacks.

Plan ahead: pack sandwiches, fruit, granola bars, and refillable water bottles. You can save $50–$100 per person just by avoiding vendor prices. Many fans make this a ritual, bringing themed snacks to match their favorite drivers.

Carry a Portable Power Bank

Long days in the sun mean drained phones. A dead phone means missed updates, lost QR codes, and no photos. A $20 power bank prevents stress and potential last-minute purchases at overpriced charging stations inside the venue.

This small investment saves you from buying overpriced accessories and keeps you connected to ticket updates, weather alerts, and shuttle schedules.

Arrive Early and Use Public Transit

Parking near the Long Beach Grand Prix is expensive and limited. On-site parking can cost $30–$50 per vehicle. Instead, use the official Long Beach Transit shuttle system, which offers $5–$10 round-trip fares from designated park-and-ride locations.

Arriving early also gives you better access to GA viewing areas. Popular spots near Turns 1 and 10 fill up quickly. Get there by 7:30 AM on race day to claim the best vantage points without paying extra.

Tools and Resources

Official Long Beach Grand Prix Website

longbeachgp.com is your primary source for accurate ticket information, schedules, maps, and official promotions. Bookmark it and check it weekly as the event approaches. The site also features a downloadable app with real-time updates, driver profiles, and interactive track maps.

Eventbrite and Ticketmaster Resale

While the official sale happens on longbeachgp.com, Ticketmaster handles ticket fulfillment and resale. Visit the event’s Ticketmaster page to monitor resale inventory. Eventbrite occasionally lists discounted group tickets or charity raffles tied to the event.

Google Alerts

Create a Google Alert for “Long Beach Grand Prix tickets deal” or “Long Beach Grand Prix discount code.” You’ll receive email notifications when blogs, forums, or news sites publish new savings tips. This is especially useful in the weeks leading up to the event.

Reddit Communities

Subreddits like r/IndyCar, r/LongBeach, and r/Motorsport are goldmines for insider tips. Fans often post about ticket giveaways, last-minute resale listings, and personal experiences. Search the archives for “Long Beach Grand Prix savings” to find years of accumulated wisdom.

Social Media Monitoring

Follow the official Long Beach Grand Prix accounts on Instagram, Twitter (X), and Facebook. They frequently post flash sales, influencer giveaways, and exclusive promo codes. Don’t forget to check the accounts of partner brands like Toyota, Honda, and Pirelli—they sometimes run ticket contests.

Local Radio and Podcasts

Long Beach-based radio stations like KDAY 93.5 and KCRW 89.9 sometimes offer ticket giveaways to listeners. Local motorsport podcasts like “The Long Beach Report” or “IndyCar Insider” often feature interviews with organizers and exclusive discount codes.

University and Community Center Programs

Cal State Long Beach, USC, and UCLA often have student organization partnerships with the Grand Prix. Check your school’s student activities office. Community centers and local libraries sometimes host ticket lotteries or discounted group sales for residents.

Travel Reward Portals

If you have a travel rewards credit card (Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points), check your portal for event ticket options. Some portals allow you to redeem points for event tickets at a fixed value—sometimes better than cash back.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Student Who Saved $320

Jessica, a 21-year-old college student in Los Angeles, wanted to attend the 2023 Long Beach Grand Prix. She didn’t have a large budget but was determined to go. Here’s what she did:

• Sign up for the official newsletter in November 2022.
• Received early access to tickets in December—bought a 2-day GA pass (Friday + Sunday) for $110.
• Used her student ID to qualify for a 15% discount ($16.50 saved).
• Brought her own food and water, saving $60.
• Took the Long Beach Transit shuttle ($8 round-trip) instead of parking ($45).
• Used her credit card’s 3% cashback on the purchase ($3.30 returned).

Total spent: $110 + $8 = $118. Total saved: $320 compared to buying a single-day grandstand ticket at full price. She had an unforgettable experience without debt.

Example 2: The Group of Friends Who Got 20% Off

Four friends from Orange County planned to attend the 2024 event. They waited until January to buy tickets and were shocked by the $300+ price for a grandstand seat. Instead, they formed a group of 12 and contacted the event’s group sales team.

They received a 20% discount on 12 General Admission tickets. They chose Friday and Saturday, avoiding Sunday crowds. Each paid $48 for a 2-day pass instead of $60. They also got a free group photo pass.

Total saved: $144. They used the savings to book a group dinner at a local restaurant with a Grand Prix viewing patio—turning the weekend into a full experience.

Example 3: The Last-Minute Bargain Hunter

Mark, a die-hard IndyCar fan, missed the early sale due to a work trip. He set up a Google Alert and checked resale sites daily. On April 3, just 10 days before the race, he found a verified resale listing for a Saturday grandstand seat priced at $120—originally $220.

He bought it immediately. The seller had won tickets in a contest but couldn’t attend. Mark saved $100. He also found a free parking spot via a local Facebook group and walked to the track from a nearby hotel.

He later posted his experience on Reddit, inspiring others to check resale platforms closer to the event date.

Example 4: The Hotel + Ticket Bundle Win

The Rivera family from San Diego booked a 3-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach in February. They noticed a “Grand Prix Package” on the hotel’s website: 3 nights, 2-day GA tickets, and free breakfast for $599.

Separately, the hotel room would have been $450, and tickets $160. The bundle saved them $111. They also got complimentary valet parking and early check-in. The experience was seamless—and they didn’t have to stress about logistics.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to get Long Beach Grand Prix tickets?

The cheapest way is to buy General Admission tickets during the early-bird sale, use a student or military discount if eligible, attend on Friday, and purchase a multi-day pass. Bring your own food and use public transit to minimize additional costs.

Are tickets cheaper if I buy them at the gate?

No. Tickets at the gate are almost always full price and may be limited to sold-out sections. Buying in advance guarantees better pricing and seating options.

Can I get free Long Beach Grand Prix tickets?

Free tickets are rare but possible through contests run by local radio stations, sponsor giveaways (e.g., Honda, Pirelli), or community partnerships. Follow official social media channels and sign up for newsletters to increase your chances.

Do ticket prices drop closer to the event?

Sometimes. Prices may drop 7–14 days before the event if inventory remains unsold. However, popular grandstand sections rarely drop in price. General Admission and off-day tickets are more likely to be discounted.

Is it worth buying a Paddock Club pass?

Only if you value premium dining, exclusive access, and a VIP experience. For most fans, it’s not cost-effective. A $1,000+ pass is hard to justify unless you’re treating it as a corporate event or once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Can I resell my Long Beach Grand Prix tickets?

Yes, through official resale platforms like Ticketmaster Resale. Be sure to check the ticket’s transfer policy before purchasing—some tickets are non-transferable.

What time should I arrive for General Admission?

Arrive by 7:30 AM on race day to secure the best viewing spots. Gates open at 7:00 AM. Popular areas like the Bus Stop and the final chicane fill up quickly.

Are children’s tickets discounted?

Yes. Children under 12 often receive free or heavily discounted admission with a paying adult. Check the official website for current age policies.

Can I use a promo code after purchasing?

Generally, no. Promo codes must be applied at checkout. If you find a code after buying, contact the official ticketing team—they may offer a partial refund or credit if the code is still valid and you haven’t accessed the event.

What if it rains during the event?

The Long Beach Grand Prix is held rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable, but the event continues with safety measures in place. Bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoe covers.

Conclusion

Attending the Long Beach Grand Prix doesn’t have to be a luxury reserved for the wealthy. With careful planning, strategic timing, and smart use of available resources, you can experience one of the most thrilling races in North America at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a student on a budget, a family looking for a weekend adventure, or a motorsport enthusiast seeking value, the methods outlined in this guide provide a clear, proven path to significant savings.

Remember: the key is preparation. Start early, research your options, avoid impulse buys, and always verify the legitimacy of your source. Combine ticket discounts with smart spending on food, transportation, and lodging, and you’ll not only save money—you’ll enhance your overall experience.

The roar of the engines, the smell of rubber, the energy of the crowd—these are the memories you’ll carry long after the checkered flag waves. Don’t let high ticket prices keep you from being part of it. Use this guide, take action, and make your Long Beach Grand Prix weekend unforgettable—without the financial stress.