ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, scheduled for October 23-25, will be open to spectators, city and race officials said Thursday.

The event was postponed from its original March date due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mayor Rick Kriseman and the City Council approved plans to hold the event with 20,000 spectators and specific health and safety protocols.

Fans can visit gpstpete.com/covid19 for more information on the health protocols.

"My thanks to Green Savoree Racing Promotions and INDYCAR for their flexibility and resilience during this challenging time. I know that everyone is excited to get back on the track in St. Pete,” Kriseman said.

Competitors, spectators and all associated with the event will be subject to a health screening and temperature check before entry is permitted. All attendees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings at all times unless when eating or drinking with the “No Mask, No Entry” plan.

Those who don’t have one will be issued a mask at the entry gates. 

To promote social distancing, the paddock and pit lane will be closed to spectators. The CDC’s recommended guideline of at least six feet of social distancing should be maintained while on site. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be present across the venue. 

Previously purchased tickets to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which were not already deferred, will be valid for gate entry on the corresponding days of the postponed event. Ticket purchasers on file will receive more information via email, and in some cases, reserved grandstand seating may need to be reassigned to allow for social distancing. Additional answers to common questions can be found at gpstpete.com/covid19faq.

A limited number of tickets will be released for sale in the coming days at gpstpete.com.