I’ve always liked Formula 1 racing and used to purchase their direct streaming package until they went all BLM and diversity with drivers bending the knee like idiots. Then I just followed and watched recaps on Youtube.com. Not being a cable subscriber for years now, I do purchase streaming packages which is much cheaper, and one I have for the UFC, ESPN+, now lets me watch the Formula 1 races which I do enjoy. But it looks like the new corporate masters of F1 are still deplorable as they try to extort $1,500 per person of capacity for businesses near enough to the race to view or they’ll block their views. The general admissions tickets are sold out and $500 for the three days, but check out grandstand prices. This is supposedly the most expensive race on the calendar now.
By Kevin Haggerty
A shakedown struck the Las Vegas Strip as venues decried the alleged consequences they’d face for failing to fork over millions for a Formula One (F1) race.
The third weekend in November stands to be a profitable one for many businesses in the gambling mecca when F1 holds the first Las Vegas Grand Prix. However, clubs and restaurants along the course could find themselves barricaded or blinded if certain financial demands aren’t met, the New York Post reported.
A letter distributed by F1, owned by Liberty Media, rang of extortion to businesses as it informed, “Las Vegas Grand Prix will use reasonable efforts to maintain sightedness from licensee’s venue to the track/race.”
“The license fee will equal the maximum occupancy of licensee’s venue (per fire code) multiplied by $1,500,” the proposal stated.
“They are literally shaking people down saying they will obstruct views unless they pay them,” one casino owner told the Post. “It seems insane that they are asking money for a public event that is taking place in the streets.”
Vegas comes to life in the day and the night! ☀️ #LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/c9AvwVweou
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) July 10, 2023
Having gained a permit to hold the race in Vegas through 2032, with a course passing the Bellagio, Caesars Palace and The Mirage, the organization, valued at $8.8 billion when billionaire John Malone’s Liberty acquired it in 2016, stands to make a fortune if venues are made to comply.
“For a restaurant or club with 1,500 seats, the tab would soar to a whopping $2.25 million — regardless of how many guests can catch views from their roof decks, terraces and dining areas,” the New York Post reported.
Asking for the licensing fees had stretched to pressure, according to one source who asserted “There is a certain line they are crossing [by] telling someone who has spent billions on their property that you are shutting the Strip down for construction and then asking them to pay for seat. They are trying to limit people’s ability to capitalize on the race.”
“There is a real chance of obstructing views with stands and barricades,” one source told the Post as there were claims Renee Wilm, Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO and Liberty Media’s chief legal officer, had tossed out the idea of shining lights into non-paying venues to block out the nighttime race. “I know the hotels are upset about it and they are trying to figure out if they’ll play along.”
Whether or not the racing organization had concerns that local venues’ inability to capitalize on the event would hurt their bottom line was unknown. What was known was that F1 had paid nearly $10 million for the use of a parking lot to put up their own stands and King Casino Bonus reported the average ticket price for the three-day event had reached $6,651.
Meanwhile, the casinos were said to have gobbled a considerable number of passes to throw together executive deals like the $5 million “Emperor Package” from Caesars Entertainment announced in December that includes five nights in a 4,700 square-foot suite with views of the track, a chauffeured Rolls-Royce and tickets to see Adele. Others had their own offers.
Enjoy race weekend with epic, panoramic views of the Las Vegas Boulevard straightaway from a Wraparound Terrace Suite inside @cosmopolitan_lv! With an expansive, private terrace—looking out to the skyline will make your #LasVegasGP experience just a little extra. pic.twitter.com/559jYGnVxt
— F1 Las Vegas (@F1LasVegas) July 14, 2023
General admission for three days at the race started at $500.
Hotels on the strip should tell F1 get lost we are not giving you a dime. Vegas doesn’t need F1 now or in the future.
— Dave Trevino (@DaveTrevino20) July 24, 2023
Dude Vegas needs to bail on this 10 year contract with F1. It’s just not worth the headaches
— John Driver (@DriverESPN) July 23, 2023
As a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, I find the entire F1 business a big money grab and very intrusive. I was in town a couple of weeks ago and I will not return until this damn thing is over.
— Funlover (@funlover1818) July 23, 2023