Formula 1 preparations spark business concerns in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — As the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix gears up for its return next month, local businesses are feeling the impact of preparations, particularly the construction of a temporary bridge at Flamingo and Koval.

The project has already led to several lawsuits from affected business owners.

Wade Bohn, owner of Jay’s Market at the corner of Flamingo and Koval, expressed frustration over the situation. “How does it continue to happen? I just don’t understand it,” Bohn said. He noted that his business has suffered a 65% decline this week alone due to the bridge construction, which blocks access to his gas pumps.

“We’ve dealt with these guys for over a year and they say they have communication with us. They don’t have communication with us,” Bohn said. “They tell us what they’re going to do, and we have to live with it. That’s the kind of communication.”

Bohn reported that his store lost $3.5 million last year because of the bridge, which cut off access to his and several other businesses in the area. At least five neighboring businesses have filed lawsuits. Bohn, who has reduced his staff from 12 to five employees, said theft has increased as a result of the situation.

Lori Nelson-Kraft, senior vice president of corporate affairs with F1, said changes were made to the bridge this year to improve access. “We have taken that bridge from last year from four lanes to two, which will allow greater access into all those businesses,” Nelson-Kraft said. She added that F1 has communicated with residents through reader boards about access points.

Connie Benson, a visitor from Virginia, described the detours as challenging. “Our taxi from the airport had to do a detour and took a crossroad and back the other way to get through the light because it was taking so long,” Benson said.

Bohn has not yet filed his own lawsuit but indicated it might be forthcoming. “Maybe this year I will only lose a couple million dollars instead of more than I did last year? I mean I’m still going to lose money. So I don’t know how it’s better for me,” he said.

The F1 event, considered the biggest sporting event in Las Vegas history, is scheduled for November 21-23.

The temporary bridge is expected to be dismantled the week of December 16, with crews coordinating around other events, including the National Finals Rodeo.