F1'S LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX SHAPING UP TO BE BOTH A SPECTACLE AND AN EXPENSIVE HEADACHE

The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, if nothing else, will be a sensory overload of neon bright lights, roaring race cars and some of the wealthiest F1 fans in the world in attendance. But the daily disruptions have created a vibe that the ballyhooed event might also...

It was a pretty typical weekend in Las Vegas, with Adele performing at Caesars Palace, U2 at the newly opened largest spherical structure in the world, NASCAR in town and the Raiders hosting the Patriots. An exhaustive set of entertainment options. With it came the traffic snarls — on foot or car — from every road closure, redirection or new fencing erected along the Las Vegas Strip as part of construction preparations for a Formula One race that is still a month away.

The inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, if nothing else, will be a sensory overload of neon bright lights, roaring race cars and some of the wealthiest F1 fans in the world in attendance. But the daily disruptions have created a vibe that the ballyhooed event might also be an expensive, logistical headache.

American fans of the global racing series have grumbled since tickets went on sale that they've been priced out of this year's third F1 stop in the United States. The race is being promoted by F1, which acknowledged last year that Las Vegas will be the most expensive spectator event on its 23-race calendar.

The Wynn Grid Club offers a $50,000 package that includes, among other things, race tickets, a helicopter tour and transportation to the circuit. There is also the “opportunity” to purchase a hot lap on the track and “access to five-star accommodations at Wynn Las Vegas.”