“All the difference in the world,” Las Vegas businesses claim F1 failed to come close to the Super Bowl’s economic impact

“All the difference in the world,” Las Vegas businesses claim F1 failed to come close to the Super Bowl’s economic impact

Max Verstappen [L] Travis Kelce [R] (images via IMAGO)

Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world. Sin City is seen as the biggest spectacle in terms of casinos and nightlife globally. Subsequently, both Formula 1 and the NFL have tried to profit from the city’s image with the Las Vegas GP and the Super Bowl LVIII respectively. However, it seems that the Super Bowl was a much better event for businesses compared to the pinnacle of motorsport.

Formula 1 returned to the Nevadan city after decades. F1’s commercial rights owner Liberty Media invested half a billion dollars as race promotors of the event with a long-term plan for the Las Vegas GP. So much so, that the sport was confident that the inaugural race would bring twice the economic benefits than the 2023 Super Bowl.

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As per F1, the 2023 Las Vegas GP brought in over $800 million to Sin City. However, local businesses are not happy with the race. Rather, business owners argue that the 2024 Super Bowl turned out to be a much better event. The city suffered multiple road closures during the preparation for the race. This had a massive impact on businesses as it became difficult for consumers to travel.

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On the other hand, the Super Bowl LVIII had no such obstructions. This allowed businesses to operate as usual and cater to the increased demand leading up to the race. Wade Bohn, owner of multiple businesses in the city including Jay’s Market and the Shell gas station at Koval Lane and Flamingo Road respectively claimed that the lack of hindrances made all the difference between F1 and the Super Bowl.

The people, the interaction with the NFL and the city, the amount of people that came into town that we were able to tap into just by being open to traffic where there was no hindrance to get into my property — it made all the difference in the world.
Wade Bohn told Las Vegas Review Journal

Moreover, it is believed that Bohn’s gas station lost around $4 million due to road closures for building the Las Vegas GP street circuit. Moreover, during this period, the station sold around 1000 gallons of fuel every day. However, right before Super Bowl LVIII, this figure jumped to 3000 gallons.

Is the future of Las Vegas GP at risk?

It is believed that Formula 1 was permitted by Clark County to host the iconic race for ten years. However, as per the area’s commissioner. there has been no contract regarding the same. As such, the sport might be at risk of losing the Las Vegas GP due to uncertainty. Although, F1 has committed to long-term developments for this event.

Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at Las Vegas GP
Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at Las Vegas GP (Via IMAGO)

It seems that local businesses and citizens are not in favor of the Las Vegas GP. The event has failed to win over the people of Sin City despite having a positive reception for its on-track action last season. So much so, that Max Verstappen sang ‘Viva Las Vegas’ on team radio. As the Dutchman went home to win the race last season despite his previous criticism.

Certainly, Formula 1 will be looking to make Las Vegas a jewel on its calendar in the coming years. However, the sport could face hurdles in hosting the race in the future. The opinion of local citizens remains a priority for any government body to ensure that an event does not disrupt the lives of its people. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming weeks.

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