Mayor Bowser and Partners Encourage Residents and Visitors to Plan Ahead for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix

(Washington, DC) - Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined federal, regional, and event partners to provide the community with important information ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, which will take place August 22-23, near the National Mall. The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks the first-ever NTT INDYCAR SERIES race in Washington, DC and is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators to the nation's capital throughout race weekend.

"Hundreds of thousands of visitors have come to Washington, DC to celebrate the semiquincentennial, and we know that the Freedom 250 Grand Prix is another event that people are excited about," said Mayor Bowser. "We want this to be a great weekend for everyone - our residents and businesses, our visitors, and of course, everyone who is in DC to participate in and support the event. We encourage people to plan ahead, use public transportation whenever possible, and visit 250.dc.gov for the latest travel information and event resources."

District officials encouraged residents and visitors to expect temporary traffic impacts near the 1.7-mile race course on the downtown streets of DC and to allow extra travel time throughout race weekend. Visitors are encouraged to use Metrorail and Metrobus whenever possible, while residents and commuters should familiarize themselves with road closures and parking restrictions before traveling through affected areas.

"As the District prepares for the Grand Prix, the Metropolitan Police Department will be fully activated and working across the city to maintain a safe environment for residents and visitors," said Interim Chief of Police Jeffery W. Carroll. "We appreciate the community's partnership. Staying alert and sharing any concerns helps us keep both the race and our neighborhoods secure."

Race officials report that all free General Admission tickets for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix have been assigned and that admission is limited to guests with a valid ticket. Attendees are encouraged to review event policies, including the prohibited items list, before arriving. More information about the event is available at Freedom250GP.com.

"We look forward to hosting an historic event here on the streets of Washington, DC and we appreciate everyone's excitement and cooperation as we celebrate 250 years of American freedom and innovation with a world-class race weekend at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix," said Bud Denker, Chairman of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix. "Thank you to Mayor Bowser, the Metropolitan Police Department and all of our partners in Washington, DC for helping us get the District ready to go racing in just a few weeks."

The District encourages those attending or traveling through Washington, DC during the Freedom 250 Grand Prix weekend to visit https://250.dc.gov to learn more about road closures and other updates. Additional information, including detailed road closure maps and transportation updates, will be released in advance of race weekend.

To get real-time Freedom 250 Grand Prix updates sent to your phone, including travel alerts and transportation information, text DC250 to 888-777.

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