CNA – Organisers of the 2023 Formula 1 (F1) Singapore Grand Prix announced yesterday that there is an expected decline of 17 per cent in attendance.
This decline is attributed to the closure of the Bay Grandstand, a move aligned with the ongoing redevelopment of The Float @ Marina Bay.
Consequently, the night race scheduled from September 15 to 17 is projected to draw around 250,000 spectators.
The number aligns closely with the average attendance the event has seen since its inception in 2008. However, it marks a notable decrease from the record-breaking 302,000 attendees witnessed last year.
“We were always aware that we will not be able to completely replace the inventory, especially given the limitations of a street circuit,” said Singapore GP executive director Adam Firth, adding that organisers had been actively identifying potential sites for new viewing opportunities.
“Fortunately, we were able to overcome the challenges and recoup 10,000 tickets with several exciting new options for our fans.”
With weeks left to the Marina Bay Street Circuit event, race organisers said preparations were on schedule.
Demand for tickets “continues to be very strong”, with 16 out of 23 categories currently sold out and “limited availability” for five of the remaining categories.
Organisers said “nearly all” hospitality packages have been taken up, with only a limited number of seats remaining at the Vista Suite and Pit Entry Lounge hospitality suites.
As early as April, hotels near the Marina Bay circuit were already getting bookings in preparation, with some gearing up for full houses over the race weekend.
In January 2022, Singapore renewed for the fourth time its hosting rights to the F1 race, extending the contract by another seven years – its longest yet.
Factors including post-pandemic travel recovery were taken into account.
Singapore GP chairman Ong Beng Seng has also been embroiled in an anti-corruption probe involving the country’s transport minister, though the race promoter said last month that the investigation would not hold up its planning and preparations for the yearly event.
