The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach had a nearly $100 million economic impact on Long Beach and the seven counties that comprise Southern California last year, race officials announced on Friday, Feb. 7 — a $35 million increase compared to 2018.

Those numbers, the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach said, came from a study by Kleinhenz Economics, which last looked at the three-day event’s economic impact in 2018.

Of the $98.7 million the Grand Prix generated for the region in 2024, the association’s press release said, $58 million — or 58.8% — came from visitor and operational expenditures. Within Long Beach, the economic output was $58.7 million.

The Grand Prix also contributed $17.9 million in taxes, $8.3 million of which went to the state and local governments.

The 49th annual Grand Prix, which attracted more than 194,000 visitors across all three days — a new record — also created 702 jobs across the region, the press release said, including 525 locally. That produced $40.3 million in total income, worth an annual average wage of $57,400.

“The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is not just an exciting racing event — it’s also a dynamic economic engine for the city and the Southern California region,” Jim Michaelian, the president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, said in a statement. “This year’s economic impact report highlights the substantial benefits the event delivers, from creating jobs to generating millions in revenue for local businesses and government.”

The Grand Prix, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in April, is widely considered the premier street race in the country — beloved by drivers and fans alike — and the second-most prestigious IndyCar Series race, behind only the Indianapolis 500.

It is also Long Beach’s biggest annual party — and, as the Kleinhenz study shows — a major economic driver for the city.

“From local businesses seeing a surge in customers to job creation and infrastructure investments, the impact extends far beyond the checkered flag,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “For Long Beach, this means more support for small businesses, increased tourism revenue, and a stronger local economy that supports city services that our residents depend on.”

The 2025 Grand Prix of Long Beach is scheduled to take place from April 11 to 13. Big-time names are expected to descend on Long Beach to celebrate the occasion, with four-time winner Mario Andretti and six-time winner and “King of the Beach” Al Unser Jr. set to serve as co-grand marshals during Sunday’s titular event. And iconic rock group Foreigner will headline the Saturday night concert.

Tickets are on sale now at gplb.com or by calling 888-827-7333.

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