Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets Set for April 16
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| 2019 Thunder Thursday action |
Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets, the free-to-the-public festival that annually marks the start of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach race weekend, will take place on Thursday, April 16, and have activities for the entire family.
Presented by the Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, Thunder Thursday’s activities begin at 6:00 p.m., with NTT INDYCAR SERIES pit stop competitions on Shoreline Drive, west of Pine Ave., lighting up the streets at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Tony Carbajal’s stunt motorcycles will keep the fun going at 7:05 p.m. and 8:05 p.m. and the always-exciting freestyle motocross demonstrations will take over Shoreline Drive at 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Spectator viewing for these events will be located in and around the three grandstands adjacent to The Pike Outlets.
“Thunder Thursday is a high energy, flipping good time for seasoned race attendees and kids of all ages," said Morgan Blank, director of marketing at The Pike Outlets. “This free event gives guests a taste of what Grand Prix weekend has in-store, come for the racecars and entertainment but stay for the great deals at our retailers and restaurants."
“The Long Beach CVB is proud to be a sponsor of this kickoff event for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, as we celebrate the 46th anniversary of America’s favorite street race," said Steve Goodling, president & CEO of the Long Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Thunder Thursday is a preview of the excitement, fun, music, and entertainment that race weekend will bring to town."
Within The Pike Outlets, fans will enjoy driver interviews, live music and DJs on the stage in the Main Plaza. Food will also be available in the Main Plaza, as will, for fans 21 and older, a Beer Garden hosted by the Auld Dubliner.
Car enthusiasts and racing fans will find a classic car show located on The Paseo, with local antique and vintage cars. Meanwhile, race cars will be displayed on Bay Street with professional drivers and crews from the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Pirelli GT4 America and more signing autographs.
Fans will also have an opportunity to pick up an Acura Grand Prix weekend coupon booklet and a chance to win prizes and special offers with The Pike Outlet’s street team.
Parking for Thunder Thursday at The Pike Outlets will be available in the Pike Parking structure at Chestnut Place off Ocean Blvd.
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 17-19. For more information, visit gplb.com.