In a new announcement concerning parking during the forthcoming Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix event from Nov. 16-18, the Fashion Show Mall, a prime retail locale positioned just across from The Wynn on Las Vegas Boulevard, has decided to charge $40-$75 for parking. This fee applies unless event-goers spend a minimum of $100 throughout the shopping center.
This move is a deviation from the norm as parking in the mall’s structure is typically at no cost. Expect it to kick off on Thursday, Nov. 16 with ACE Parking setting a $40 fee per car entering the structure located behind the mall. The cost then escalates to $75 on Nov. 17 and the main race day, Nov. 18.
A silver lining exists, however, for patrons willing to spend a little inside the mall, ideally located at 3200 Las Vegas Blvd South. By presenting receipts evidencing a minimum $100 expenditure across the property before 5 p.m., the parking charge will be reimbursed. The mall conveniently houses high-end retailers such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Even dining in any of the seated restaurants on the Strip would be adequate for a parking refund valid till midnight, as communicated by Brookfield Properties, the mall’s property manager.
In soothing potential concerns, Brookfield stated, “Our goal is to cater to locals and visitors who are keen on experiencing the environment but not necessarily interested in watching the race.” The practical option of pre-purchasing parking through fslv.com was suggested for those wanting to bypass the congestion arising from both the race’s track layout and the mall’s strategic location on the track.
Following the announcement, social media saw mainly muted acceptance, with a sprinkling of predictable resentment. However, the majority seemed unsurprised with a few stepping in to defend the mall’s decision. Most users, recognizing the predicament, reasoned that without the fee, the mall’s parking would be overwhelmed by Grand Prix visitors, thus inconveniencing the mall shoppers.
As stated by Twitter user @Mic_VegasSphere, “If you’re shopping that day, you’re likely already spending $100 anyway,” supporting the strategy and its potential to dissuade non-shoppers from exploiting the mall’s parking. Similarly, user @Havein guaranteed that it was only a temporary necessity rather than a permanent shift. The mall’s parking fee, it seems, is seen as a justifiable, albeit steep, preventive measure to ensure genuine shoppers have a place to park amidst the racing hoopla.
