Local businesses frustrated as F1 temporary bridge returns

Brian Will
2 min read

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The temporary bridge for the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix is back in place this year with some modifications, but some local businesses remain dissatisfied.

Formula One announced a 50 percent reduction in the size of the bridge this year, narrowing it from four lanes to two, which span Flamingo east to west. However, local businesses told 8 News Now that it continues to affect their operations.

“Slightly better than last year but still nobody wants to come to this area,” Randy Markin, manager of Stage Door Casino and owner of Battista’s Hole in the Wall, explained. “Our regular customer base is gone.”

Jimmy Singh, owner of Las Vegas Souvenir and Gift explained that when the bridge is in the way it becomes difficult for customers to see them ultimately leading to a decline in business.

Tourists have also noticed all the construction that comes with F1.

“There’s a lot of construction everywhere it seems. A lot of road construction,” Brenda Willich, visiting Las Vegas from Canada, said.

  1. Formula One said they have reduced the size of the bridge by 50 percent this year. (KLAS)
    Formula One said they have reduced the size of the bridge by 50 percent this year. (KLAS)
  2. “When the bridge is there nobody can see us, we don’t get that many customers and we lose business,” Jimmy Singh said. (KLAS)
    “When the bridge is there nobody can see us, we don’t get that many customers and we lose business,” Jimmy Singh said. (KLAS)
  3. “There’s a lot of construction everywhere it seems. Lot of road construction,” Brenda Willich said. (KLAS)
    “There’s a lot of construction everywhere it seems. Lot of road construction,” Brenda Willich said. (KLAS)

While Formula One has acknowledged the impact of the race on surrounding areas, they told 8 News Now that access to all businesses will be maintained both during the bridge’s presence and after its removal.

Business owners want F1 to listen to them.

“There’s a way to fix this. There is a way to approach these businesses and say, ‘Hey, listen, we’re sorry it ended up this way. We didn’t intend for it to be this way.’ Let’s sit down and work things out,'” Markin said.

Battista’s, Stage Door, and Ferraro’s Restaurant have already filed a lawsuit against Formula One due to its impact on their businesses, while Wade Bohn and Jay’s Market are set to follow suit.

The race is scheduled for Nov. 21-23, and Formula One has stated that the bridge will be removed by mid-December.

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