F1 weekend: Safety plans, road closure schedule among topics as Las Vegas race nears
LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Officials from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Clark County and F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix met Wednesday to discuss the safety plan for the 2024 race.
Bag policies, drone bans and upgraded enclosures on pedestrian bridges are all parts of the plan.
On the bridges, instead of the film that blocked views of last year's race, the new thick enclosures are designed to stop people from throwing objects onto the track. LVMPD Undersheriff Andrew Walsh said the barriers have been used in races around the world.
Metro Police will have a strong presence on the Strip.
"We don't put out a particular number, but know it would be very high," Walsh said. "I'd be hard pressed to say that you're going to go very far without seeing a police officer. But for operational security reasons, the number of officers and where they're deployed, we don't put out publicly."
In addition to police presence, LVMPD is asking the community to utilize their 'See Something, Say Something' hotline at (702) 828-7777. Walsh says the hotline is helpful in combating human trafficking, which can be prevalent at international events like a grand prix.
"It's a sad thing that our community can be known for that from time to time. That comes up at every one of these events and our vice section and our officers are trained and aware of what to look for," Walsh said.
The Strip will also have similar rules to New Year's Eve, prohibiting glass bottles, large bags, backpacks, strollers, carts coolers, briefcases and luggage.
The F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix has a clear bag policy, but small clutches and fanny packs under 6 x 9 inches are allowed.
LVGP officials call the event a "walking race" for fans and highly recommend using rideshare at the following locations: Tuscany Suites & Casino, Park MGM, Howard Hughes Center, Las Vegas Convention Center and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Road closures vary on a nightly basis:
Wednesday, Nov. 20
