In anticipation of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Bellagio casino-hotel is gearing up for race preparations. Scheduled to take place between Nov. 21 and Nov. 23, the Formula One event is drawing excitement and anticipation.
To make room for the construction of the Bellagio Fountain Club, an exclusive F1 spectator area for VIPs, work crews will be removing trees in front of the Fountains of Bellagio along Las Vegas Boulevard. According to a memo from MGM Resorts International, the parent company of the resort, two southbound lanes on the Strip in front of Bellagio will also be closed starting Monday and will remain shut until December.
Last year, there was controversy surrounding the removal of some trees in front of Bellagio to ensure unobstructed views for temporary grandstands during the F1 race. Some of these trees had been part of the landscape since Bellagio first opened in 1998. After the conclusion of the 2023 F1 race, replacement trees were brought in and planted in December. Unfortunately, these trees did not thrive in their new environment and had to be replaced in the spring.
The new trees are now all in planters and will be carefully monitored and maintained. Bellagio and MGM are taking the wellbeing of the trees seriously. The memo stated, “We take the wellbeing of our trees seriously, and our horticulture team works with third-party experts to ensure they remain healthy throughout this process.”
Pedestrian traffic along the Strip will be limited due to the F1 prep work. The sidewalk between Flamingo Road and Bellagio Drive will be closed to pedestrians starting Monday. Despite this, the Fountains of Bellagio will continue operating as usual and can still be viewed from the west and north sides of Lake Bellagio.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is in its second year of a three-year deal between the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and F1. The authority is paying Formula One $6.5 million per year to sponsor the race. The 2023 Grand Prix was a massive success, drawing over 315,000 attendees over four days and bringing an estimated economic impact of $1.5 billion.
While the event drew mixed responses, with some local businesses feeling the negative impact of the race preparation and high ticket prices, this year’s ticket prices and Strip hotel room rates are reportedly lower. Industry officials are expecting demand to increase as the race approaches. The excitement is palpable as Las Vegas gears up for the Grand Prix.