2021 Long Beach COVID UPDATE

COVID-19 Info and FAQ


**Updated 9/17/21 to include COVID testing times and locations, as well as COVID vaccination times and locations.

The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach is excited to welcome fans back to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this Sept. 24-26.

As you know, the situation surrounding COVID-19 protocols and regulations is changing rapidly and has resulted in various state and local health mandates. Below are the latest developments:

  • A new Health Order by the City of Long Beach on August 18, effective on August 19, states that attendees at all outdoor “mega events” – those with attendance of more than 10,000 people – will be required to wear facial coverings in all outdoor and indoor locations, regardless of vaccination status, unless you are actively eating or drinking.
  • In addition, the Order states that “the City will require that staff and spectators at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, scheduled for September 24-26, 2021, as one of the largest special events in California, show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter, and masking for all individuals will be required.”
  • As a result of this Order, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is strongly recommending that unvaccinated persons who will need a negative COVID test to enter get a free COVID test no earlier than 72 hours prior to Sept. 24 to avoid any delay of entering the facility.
  • Kids from ages 2-11, who are currently not eligible for vaccines, will also require a negative COVID test no earlier than 72 hours prior to Sept. 24. Kids 12 and older can show either a negative COVID test or proof of vaccination.
  • In addition, the City of Long Beach will provide rapid COVID testing at all major entryways to the race circuit, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 21 through race weekend. Daily hours of operation are listed below.

Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What forms of vaccination proof are considered acceptable?
One of the following is an acceptable form of proof of vaccination: 1. CDC card (hard copy or photo); 2. An electronic record from State (email or hard copy); 3. An electronic record saved to iPhone Wallet.

What is the City’s definition of “vaccinated?”
The definition of “vaccinated” in the eyes of the City for event entry purposes is: 1) you have taken both shots of a two-dose vaccine or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine and 2) you must have taken your last dose of vaccine at least two weeks prior to the start of the event.

Are those who are not vaccinated due to health or religious reasons still required to undergo the COVID-19 testing procedures and wear a mask?
Yes, everyone (ages 2 and older) who is not vaccinated is required to undergo the COVID- 19 testing procedures, and everyone who is attending the event (ages 2 and older) is required to wear a mask.

Will there be any COVID-19 testing available?
Yes, the Long Beach Health Department will offer self-administered nasal testing (nostril swab). If your 15-minute antigen test is positive, there will be a required follow- up PCR test. It is highly recommended that participants test before arriving to avoid long wait times. Testing results must be within 72 hours of your first day of attendance at the event.

Will my child be required to undergo the COVID-19 testing procedures and wear a mask?
Children aged 2 and older will require a negative COVID-19 test and will be required to wear a mask.

Will I be required to undergo COVID-19 testing procedures every day that I attend the event?
No, a negative COVID-19 test result received within 72 hours of your first day of attendance will remain valid for the entire weekend. We will not require retesting each day.

Are vendors, event staff, and other various staff working at the event required to provide proof of vaccination and/or test for COVID-19 prior to the event?
It is highly recommended that they test before the event, but not required. Ultimately, it falls under the employer to decide if they will require testing leading up to the event. However, all vendors and staff must test in order to participate during the actual event.

Will I have to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test every day at the admission gates?
No. When you show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for the first time upon entry, you will receive a wristband, which will show gate security that you have been checked. Keep the wristband on as many days as you plan to attend the event for easier entry into the event.

Where can I learn more?
For more information and to find out where you can get vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 in Long Beach, please visit longbeach.gov/COVID19 or call (562) 570-4636.

GRAND PRIX COVID-19 TESTING SCHEDULE – all testing is FREE!
Date(s), Time & Location(s)
9/21 to 9/23
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
Marina Trailer (Shoreline Drive turnaround)
Green Ticket Entry/Terrace Theater from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9/23
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
The Pike Outlets at Thunder Thursday

9/24 & 9/25
7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Green Ticket Entry/Terrace Theater (Long Beach Blvd and Ocean Blvd)
Yellow/Promenade Ticket Entry (Ocean Blvd and Promenade)
Red/Aquarium Ticket Entry (in the Pike shopping area)
Marina Trailer (Shoreline Village Drive Turnaround)
Aqualink Entrance at Alamitos Bay (Adjacent to Boathouse on the Bay)

9/26
7 a.m. to 12 noon
Green Ticket Entry/Terrace Theater (Long Beach Blvd and Ocean Blvd)
Yellow/Promenade Ticket Entry (Ocean Blvd and Promenade)
Red/Aquarium Ticket Entry (in the Pike shopping area)
Marina Trailer (Shoreline Village Drive Turnaround)
Aqualink Entrance at Alamitos Bay (Adjacent to Boathouse on the Bay)

OTHER PLACES TO GET TESTED IN LONG BEACH FOR FREE
To avoid long wait times at the event, other testing clinics will offered around Long Beach.
Date(s) & Time(s), Location & Address
Mon. – Fri., 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Long Beach City College
Pacific Coast Campus Parking Lot 1, at the corner of Orange
Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway
Mon. & Wed., 12 noon – 3 p.m.
CSULB (Long Beach State)
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Cabrillo High School
2001 Santa Fe Ave.
Mon. – Fri., 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Ave.
Mon. – Fri., 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. 
Long Beach City College
Veterans Stadium 5000 E. Lew Davis Dr.

GRAND PRIX COVID-19 VACCINATION SCHEDULE – all vaccines are FREE!
Date & Time, Location(s)
9/17 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
Just Inside the Entrance to the Venue
9/18 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Just Inside the Entrance to the Venue
9/23 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 
Pike Outlets (Open to Public, No Admission Required)
9/24 & 9/25 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Welcome Plaza within Grand Prix Venue
9/26 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
Welcome Plaza within Grand Prix Venue

OTHER PLACES TO GET VACCINATED IN LONG BEACH FOR FREE
To avoid long wait times at the event, other vaccination clinics will offered around Long Beach.
Date/Time, Location & Address
Mon. – Fri., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Long Beach City College
Pacific Coast Campus Parking Lot 1, at the corner of Orange Avenue and Pacific Coast Highway
Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
CSULB (Long Beach State)
1250 Bellflower Blvd. Mon. & Wed., 12 noon – 3 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cabrillo High School
2001 Santa Fe Ave.
Mondays – Wednesdays 1 p.m. to 5 p.m, &  Thursdays – Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Houghton Park
6301 Myrtle Ave.

For more information, longbeach.gov/covid19 | (562) 570-4636

More:
If planning to travel to the Acura Grand Prix from out-of-state, please check and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and any State travel advisories.

For additional information, individuals should refer to CDC Recommendations for Safer Activities (see CDPH Masking Guidance Frequently Asked Questions for more information).

The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all times:

  • Persons younger than 2 years old. Very young children must not wear a mask because of the risk of suffocation.
  • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove a mask without assistance.
  • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.

We remain focused on maintaining the highest cleanliness and sanitization standards, in accordance with State and Local guidelines.

*Updated 9-17-21

** This information will be updated with any forthcoming guidance from health officials. **

Thank you for your support of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach!