Grand Prix weekend is just around the corner – and that means tens of thousands of spectators are expected to descend on Montreal.
Canadian Formula One racing driver Grand PrixThe three-day event is the largest sporting event in the country.
“This is a big weekend,” city spokesman Philip Sablin told reporters Tuesday.
“We expect only 100,000 people to attend the event each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”
As Montreal prepares for its annual race, officials are strongly urging fans not to drive home. There will be no parking spaces at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for the thousands of spectators.
“Forget about it,” Sablan said, adding that there was “no way” ticket holders could park on Notre Dame Island or the neighboring St. Helen’s Island.
During Grand Prix weekend, there will be a slew of festivities along Crescent Street in downtown Montreal.
Tim Sargent/Global News
He added that taxis were an option but the best way to get to the Grand Prix was by public transport, by bike or on foot as traffic would be heavy on the Jacques-Cartier Bridge.
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“The best advice from the city is to take public transportation, plan your trip and enjoy the weekend,” Sabourin said.
Downtown Montreal will be bustling this weekend as Crescent Street hosts a festive celebration for all ages, with festivities set to kick off on Thursday morning.
Glenn Castanheira, executive director of Montreal Downtown, said the Grand Prix will be a huge benefit to downtown restaurant owners and businesses.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” he said in an interview. Global News Morning Edition.
But Castanheira said anyone looking for last-minute accommodation might face difficulties. Most hotels were fully booked for the entire weekend.
“If you're trying to find a hotel in downtown Montreal for the weekend, good luck,” Castanheira said.
because Coronavirus disease After hosting the Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021, the Canadian Grand Prix will return to Montreal for a third consecutive year in 2024. The circuit's contract with the Formula 1 team runs until 2031.
In 2023, the Grand Prix attracted a record 345,000 spectators. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay National Hockey League Starring: Mitch Marner and Carey Price NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made the trip to the track last year.
— Information from Tim Sargeant of Global and The Canadian Press
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