IndyCar News: Long Beach GP gets renewed backing from port

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will once again get the backing of the Port of Long Beach, with harbor commissioners approving a $195,000 advertising and sponsorship agreement with the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach this week.

The 49th annual Grand Prix of Long Beach is scheduled for April 19 to 21. Last year, the Grand Prix drew 192,000 spectators over its three-day run, breaking the previous high set in 2008, according to Grand Prix Association of Long Beach CEO and President Jim Michaelian.

Related Article: Long Beach GP Attendance hits 192K

By advertising and sponsoring the event, which draws racing lovers from all over Southern California and beyond, the LB port receives “extensive advertising exposure to national and international audiences,” a harbor commission report said.

The agreement designates the Port of Long Beach as an official sponsor of the three-day event, according to material presented to the harbor commission, which approved the deal on Monday, Jan. 22.

A 2023 media analysis, the port’s board report said, indicated a value of more than $20 million in local market publicity, as well as substantial social media impacts.

Included in the financial agreement are hospitality suites, passes, over-track bridge signage and banners, and advertising promoting the port in numerous ways. Daily Breeze