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By Laura Cooper-Arnold

This past weekend I had the opportunity to fly from Indianapolis down to “The Sunshine City,” St. Petersburg, Florida, to grab some sun and attend the 1^st race of the 2023 IndyCar season. Below are some of my favorite stops when in the lovely downtown of St. Pete.

ST. PETERSBURG GRAND PRIX

This IndyCar specific race is the current season opener for the series and has been held in St. Petersburg most years since 2009, though history dates to 1985 for other race series, such as IMSA, SCCA, Trans-Am and the Champ Car World Series. Taking place on the waterfront streets of downtown St. Petersburg, this race offers a unique viewing experience.

This race is hosted by Green-Savoree Race Promotions who also owns and operates the race property of Mid-Ohio Sports Course in Lexington, Ohio, as well as the Honda Indy Toronto, and the Grand Prix of Portland.

There are several ways to enjoy this race depending on your budget. A General Admission tickets gets you in the gate and there are many places you can catch the on-track action of the cars. My favorite spot is to take the bridge between turn 11 and 12 over to the Waterside Club, or Pit In Club. This is open to the public and is essentially a floating beer garden with a large tent for shade, TV screens, and fantastic bartending service.

On a larger budget, I would suggest the VIP Club. This club is located at Pit In of the Pit Lane Suites, and offers 3 days of amazing views, both in front of you in pit lane, and behind you of the straight between turns 10 and 11. This pass also includes a paddock pass (garage) and food and beverage all 3 days. The views and the breeze are worth the cost of this pass.

AIR

The great thing about St. Petersburg, is there are two great airport options to fly into. Tampa Airport (TPA) offers your standard airlines, while St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport (PIE) offers discounted airlines such as Allegiant and Sun Country.

TRANSPORTATION

If you are lucky enough to snag a downtown St. Petersburg hotel room, ditch the rental car, as you will not need it. Both Uber and Lyft are great options and range from $35 – $60 each way, depending on the time of day.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Downtown St. Petersburg is not lacking great options to stay, but you have to get your reservations early.

Location-wise, you cannot get closer than the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, which is located between Gate 1 and Gate 5 of the street circuit, followed by the Hyatt Place.

Just across from the Hyatt Place, a newly opened (March 1, 2023) AC Hotels by Marriott St. Petersburg towers down on 2^nd St. N.

The most luxurious stay in St. Petersburg, is at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort and Golf Club. It is still technically walking distance to the track, if you don’t mind a little sweat in the morning.

RESTAURANTS

St. Petersburg has no shortage of great places to catch a bite to eat, but make sure you grab those dinner reservations for any of the standard go-tos on Beach Ave. including Bella Brava, Bacchus Wine Bistro, Cassis, Beach 400 and Ceviche

A few years ago, a fully remodeled St. Pete Pier gave visitors the amazing food and view at Teak, located at the end of the pier. But do not fear the long walk, there are complimentary shuttles.

A few off the beaten path places I tend to visit when in town are the Tap Room at the Hollander Hotel, which offers 3 meals a day, and the option to sit at the hidden pool bar and grab a meal. My new favorite is the Bier Boutique, which serves candied bacon as an appetizer. Lastly, if you just need a coffee, a breakfast sandwich, or a quick Cuban Sandwich, and also need to grab some sunscreen, post cards, etc., located on Beach Ave. close to the Vinoy is the Annex.

MISCELLANEOUS

If you have any spare free time between eating and watching race cars, the North Bay Trail offers the option to run/walk along the water.

If you are interested in SET helping to customize a group travel package to the St. Pete Grand Prix in 2024 please email corporate@sportsandentertainmenttravel.com.

With over 50 years of experience, Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET), takes pride in our standing as the industry leader in team connection and incentive-based travel. We have a continuing reputation for creating turn-key, VIP sports and entertainment group travel experiences. Our customizable and unique packages drive engagement and help our partners to create memories that foster relationships within their programs.

From the initial planning stages to on-site execution, SET provides corporate partners with a wide array of resources to make their travel experiences renowned among competitors. The relationships we have built with major hotel brands, commercial airlines, ticket distributors, and unique hospitality spaces, make SET a leader in corporate travel. Our management expertise ensures a convenient, carefree, and memorable experience enhancing continued corporate loyalty.

At SET, the possibilities are truly endless. See below for a look into our vast portfolio of the top, bucket list trips in the nation.

Kentucky Derby
- There are few American sporting events with the history and popularity of the Kentucky Derby. Our unique travel packages offer the opportunity to take in all the sights and experiences of the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington, Kentucky, in the days leading up to Churchill Downs.
Masters Tournament
- The first of four major championships in professional golf, The Masters is a prestigious opportunity to gather together. Our customizable experiences include anything from badges to the Practice or Tournament rounds with VIP hospitality spaces, to rounds of golf at nearby Savannah.
Indianapolis 500
- Each year over Memorial Day Weekend, the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway® hosts the largest single-day sporting event, the Indianapolis 500. At SET, we have access to some of the best views at IMS with premium seating and hospitality. Gear up for the race during the full weekend at Carb Day and Legends Day, enjoying private driver meet and greets and a tour of the garage.
Super Bowl
- Your clients will be in the best hands with SET at the world’s most watched sporting event – the Super Bowl. With premium ticket and suite options and access to weekend VIP parties, this is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Daytona 500
- The Daytona 500® takes place in early February each year on the sands of Daytona Beach, Florida. The first of two Cup races held each year at Daytona, this event is regarded as the most important and prestigious race of the NASCAR schedule. Experience this race with our special VIP club and in-track hospitality access!

Baseball All-Star Game
- Starting in the 1930’s, this game has come to symbolically mark the halfway point of the baseball season. Treat your clients with deluxe hotel accommodations, premium tickets to both Monday’s Home Run Derby and Tuesday’s All-Star game, and more!
Rose Parade & Game
- Ring in the new year at America’s New Year Celebration, the Rose Parade. After the parade, experience the “Granddaddy” of all college bowl games, the venerable Rose Bowl. Enjoy premium seating at both events, a pregame tailgate event, and deluxe accommodations in downtown Los Angeles.

Additional Customizable Experiences

College Football Playoff National Championship
NBA All-Star Game
NBA Finals
World Series
World Cup
Summer and Winter Olympic Games
NFL International Series
MLB London
Open Championship
Australian Open
Wimbledon
Formula One
Rugby Sevens
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
International Golf Destinations
Flavors of Italy
Galapagos Islands
Antarctic Tours
Trans-Siberian Railroad

About Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC

Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) is a full-service travel and tour management company. SET’s collective experience spans the entire landscape of sports-related programs. SET pooled their expertise and deep industry connections with a common vision: to become the country’s foremost provider of sports-related group travel services. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience by utilizing its travel, hospitality, collegiate athletic, sports marketing, and sales experience to execute custom collegiate sports travel and hospitality programs for its partners.

To learn more about SET, go to sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – (FEBRUARY 16, 2023) – Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) has
announced a partnership for the 101st running of The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill
Climb (PPIHC), brought to you by Gran Turismo. Also known as The Race to the Clouds, this race
invites drivers from around the globe to climb to the summit of America’s Mountain in Colorado
Springs.

“Our team is thrilled to partner with The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. We look
forward to producing and executing a VIP experience that will help enhance the event, partners,
and the Colorado Springs community. The experience will include unique and exclusive
inclusions to make it an experience of a lifetime and SET looks forward to that opportunity,” says
Executive Vice Presidents, Kyle McDonald and Laura Cooper-Arnold.

“We’re excited to partner with SET to offer an exclusive Pikes Peak International Hill Climb VIP
race experience to the world. SET does an outstanding job of creating one-of-a-kind travel
packages, making the most unique events even more special. It’s an honor to join their roster
alongside other iconic races and events, like The Indy 500, Daytona, Kentucky Derby, and The
Masters,” says PPIHC Executive Director, Melissa Eickhoff.

SET is also looking forward to working with the PPIHC’s various partners such as the Official
Airport of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Colorado Springs Airport (COS), title
sponsor, The Broadmoor, and presenting sponsor, Gran Turismo.
For more information on this exclusive VIP experience, please visit
https://sportsandentertainmenttravel.com/event/pikes-peak-hill-climb/.

About Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC
Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC (SET) is a full-service travel and tour management company. SET’s
collective experience spans the entire landscape of sports-related programs. SET pooled their expertise
and deep industry connections with a common vision: to become the country’s foremost provider of sports-related group travel services. SET is committed to delivering the ultimate fan travel experience by utilizing its travel, hospitality, collegiate athletic, sports marketing, and sales experience to execute custom collegiate sports travel and hospitality programs for its partners.
To learn more about SET, go to sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.

Indianapolis, Indiana (February 8, 2023) — Sports & Entertainment Travel (SET) is pleased to welcome Jessica Pribbeno as Vice President of Business Development at the start of February 2023.

Pribbeno brings over 12 years of hospitality, sales, and management expertise to SET from JPS Events and the Indiana Convention Center. She most recently served as sales manager at JPS and successfully grew their presence in Indianapolis as a premier wedding venue.

“Jessica’s extensive customer service background and the ability to think outside the box is a perfect match for SET’s Retail Division,” says Christy Bruce, CMP, President of Sports & Entertainment Travel, LLC. “We are thrilled to have her creative, thoughtful ways to bring in new opportunities, as well, as her determined follow-up to ensure client’s needs are met.”

As Pribbeno joins SET’s retail division, She is excited to implement SET’s vision of delivering the ultimate experience in sports travel. She looks forward to promptly engaging with corporate clients and growing SET’s footprint in the retail world.

About Sports and Entertainment Travel, LLC

To learn more about SET, go to sportsandentertainmenttravel.com or call 844-438-8738.