Though minds may be on the marathon, tickets to another big event, the 36th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, go on sale Monday.
The recession may benefit race fans. Grand prix tickets are unchanged for the second consecutive year.
Prices for the April 16-18 event range from $25 for a Friday general admission ticket to $125 for a three-day ticket that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in grandstand upper levels. The main race is April 18, a Sunday.
"We have again held the line on ticket prices and, despite the economic downturn, our ticket renewals for 2010 have been very strong," said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
Dario Franchitti, who won Long Beach in 2009, is slated to return to the 1.97-mile circuit through downtown Long Beach. Also expected to compete are racing stars Danica Patrick, Scott Dixon and Helio Castroneves.
Film star Keanu Reeves, who won the celebrity race last year, is expected to return to the April 17 event. The other competing celebrities have not been announced.
The Grand Prix, which features open-wheel race cars on an urban seaside course, is in its 36th year.
Events from six racing series, including Drifting, Le Mans Series and Indy Light, will take place.
Race-related events include Friday and Saturday night concerts, a lifestyle expo, a green power event and a kids' zone.
Events will take place around the Shoreline Drive circuit, in the Long Beach Convention
Center, along Pine Avenue and in other downtown locations.
Pre-paid parking packages are available, along with handicapped seating and other amenities.
Credit card orders for race-related events will be accepted at (888) 82-SPEED and www.gplb.com.
