San Jose Grand Prix Flat On Attendance, Down For Paid Tix

The Champ Car San Jose Grand Prix (SJGP) on July 29 “drew about the same overall number of people as last year -- but paid attendance was slightly less,” according to Connie Skipitares of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. Race organizers said 81,538 paid to see the race this year, compared with the 83,248 last year, and the three-day event drew a total of 120,000 attendees, which included fans who “got in free the first day with advertised vouchers, workers, volunteers, sponsors and race teams.” Organizers this year “cut ticket prices to boost attendance, and even though that didn't happen," SJGP spokesperson Kevin Diamond said that they "were still happy with the turnout.” Despite “sponsorship difficulties” and the end of the city of San Jose's $4M subsidy, organizers said that they “plan to bring the race back next year” (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/4).