"Ladies and Gentlemen...Start...Your...Engines..." Downtown Baltimore Transforms Into a Racetrack for the First Ever Baltimore Grand Prix

BALTIMORE, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Baltimore is gearing up for a spectacular three-day "festival of speed" over Labor Day weekend with the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix street circuit race. Headlining the 2011 IZOD IndyCar Series, the Baltimore Grand Prix will encompass a two-mile temporary street circuit traveling through the heart of Baltimore's downtown September 2-4, 2011.

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Former Secretary of State Colin Powell will serve as grand marshal leading opening ceremonies for the weekend that will feature a spectacular combination of world-class racing and festivities, highlighted by the American Le Mans Series and IZOD IndyCar Series. The racetrack will be weaving its way in and around the Inner Harbor, past the Baltimore Convention Center and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The high-speed thrills of professional racing will be accompanied by a wide variety of entertainment and activities scheduled for visitors of all ages. The Infield Party Zone will feature live musical entertainment all weekend with performances by Jimmie's Chicken Shack, All Might Senators and The Bridge, and a headlining performance by national recording artists Collective Soul. The concert stage will allow Grand Prix ticket holders to enjoy free non-stop concerts all weekend.  

Fans can visit the Paddock to see the race teams work behind the scenes, and participate in a wide variety of entertainment options in the Action Sports Zone, Party Zone and the Family Fun Zone. The entire race area will be a lively festival packed with exciting attractions, interactive exhibits, and great food and beverage options.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor boasts all of the key ingredients for a world-class street racing event, including abundant hotels, authentic restaurants, and great attractions, all centrally located in a beautiful waterfront setting.  Baltimore, the Inner Harbor and its surrounding neighborhoods, like Little Italy, Fell's Point, the ever-expanding Harbor East, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon, all offer a variety of fine dining, cultural experiences and exciting nightlife.

Tickets for the Baltimore Grand Prix races are available in a three-day weekend pass as well as single day passes for both reserved grandstand seating and ground admissions, which will grant full access to the infield activities.

For more information about the race or tickets, visit www.baltimoregrandprix.com. For more information on how to maximize a visit in Baltimore during the race, visit www.baltimore.org.  

Visit Baltimore – the official sales and marketing organization for Baltimore that generates economic benefits for stakeholders through the attraction of convention, group and leisure visitors. For more information, visit www.baltimore.org.

SOURCE Visit Baltimore