Check out this comprehensive guide to the Turn 4 at Ellis Island experience from Ellis Island’s VP of Development, Christina Ellis.
FanAmp has been invited to collaborate with the Las Vegas casino, Ellis Island, to give you all a rundown of their happenings on and off the track at Turn 4 during the Las Vegas Grand Prix! FanAmp’s Kaitlin Tucci sat down with Ellis Island’s Vice President of Development, Christina Ellis, to answer everything you’d need to know before you go to their Turn 4 Grandstand and Beer Garden experiences, including traveling to and from the hotel, food and beverage options, and more!
What can you see?
What can you expect?
What is Ellis Island Casino?
As a Las Vegas native, Ellis Island Casino has been a staple of the Strip and surrounding areas for as long as I can remember. Ellis Island was founded by Frank Ellis over 55 years ago and has remained family run since its inception - one of the very few remaining family and local businesses on the Strip. Christina, who is a member of the Ellis family, noted that both of her siblings, her father, cousins, and her uncle are still working for the business. Looking to serve both Vegas locals and traveling F1 fans alike, Christina remarked that “we’re excited to bring something new to our customers as well as inviting new customers to the property”. All in all, the Turn 4 at Ellis Island Experience is truly a family affair, something that will be felt by all attendees during the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend.
What are the Ellis Island ticket offerings?
Details above as of November 8, 2023. For the latest availability and prices, and to buy tickets, click here.
Where is Ellis Island Casino located?
Situated right after Turn 4 along Koval Lane, Ellis Island Casino offers a prime vantage point for full-throttle racing just past the start / finish line.
Ellis Island Turn 4 Experience - Beer Garden Deep Dive
The Beer Garden experience, in my opinion, brings the best of standard Formula 1 Hospitality at a much lower price than many of the other options for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Not only will attendees be able to watch the race in a comfortable and catered environment, you will have the option of going outside to see the action on the viewing platform. Food, non-alcoholic drinks and Ellis Island’s signature AND NEW Turn 4 Apex Lager will be available FOR FREE. Christina dove into the behind the scenes of Ellis Island’s iconic Beer Garden and Brewery and WHY this experience is a race day sell-out.
How would you describe what the Turn 4 at Ellis Island Beer Garden experience will be?
The Beer Garden experience is a relaxed and community-oriented way for fans to experience the Las Vegas Grand Prix. There will be a live race feed broadcast on the TVs situated throughout the venue. What really makes this viewing experience special is that you can watch the race from the platform outside. This means if you see Max Verstappen is about to leave the pit and want to catch him driving past with the rest of the grid chasing after… just walk outside!
How will seating and viewing the race work in the Beer Garden?
Seats and tables are first- come, first-served. However, watching the race will not be an issue. There are over 20 TVs in The Front Yard with an 18 foot tall main screen as the focal point of the room. Regardless of where you sit or stand, there will be a great view of all of the action.
What will the food and beverage options be?
The kitchen will cater classic Ellis Island bites that will be served as both passed plates and buffet format. There will be vegetarian and gluten free options available.
Christina was very excited to share that there will be a number of specialty beverages for the Formula 1 weekend served within the Beer Garden including premier liquor partners who will create themed F1 drinks. “The F1 puns will be flowing, I’m sure”. Most notably, Ellis Island has created a specialty lager called the Turn 4 Apex Lager that will be free with your ticket.
What food and beverage is free and what is for purchase?
All food options will be free with your ticket as well as soft drinks and Ellis Island beers and lagers. Wine and spirits will be available for purchase.
Ellis Island Turn 4 Experience - Grandstand Deep Dive
The Grandstand experience is a staple experience at any Formula 1 race and Ellis Island is uniquely situated to give you one of the best views on the strip. With the South Grandstand having a direct view of cars coming out of turn 4 and the North Grandstand with a quarter mile view (400m) of the entire straight, action is bound to happen right in front of Ellis Island. There are 1,100 Grandstand seats set 10 rows high.
In my opinion, the Ellis Island Grandstand, with access to the casino, a designated food, beverage, restrooms, entertainment, extra viewing screens, and activations is a unique ticket option for F1 fans.
NOTE: Single-day Grandstand tickets have just been announced! Grab yours now!
How will fans in the Grandstand keep up with the action on the rest of the track?
Ellis Island is converting their signature marquee to display the race and play the race audio. There will also be WiFi for those in the Grandstands who choose to follow along on mobile devices.
Will fans in the Grandstand be able to access any other neighboring grandstands?
No, the Turn 4 at Ellis Island Grandstands are run independently and will provide a unique experience for its guests.
What will the food and beverage options be?
There will be a ‘village’ directly behind the Grandstands serving the food and soft drinks included in your ticket cost. There will be vegetarian and gluten free options available.
And as is true in the Beer Garden, Christina emphasized that Ellis Island’s specialty beverages, including Formula 1-inspired, premium cocktails, will be offered behind the Grandstands - puns included - for patrons to enjoy.
How will attendees access restrooms?
There will also be dedicated restrooms near the food and beverage area behind the Grandstands. There are even TV screens so you don’t miss any of the on-track action!
What food and beverage is free and what is for purchase?
All food options will be free with your ticket as well as soft drinks. Beer, wine, and spirits will be available for purchase.
Christina Ellis’ Point of View
Why Ellis island?
“First and foremost, our proximity to the track and the views that you’ll be able to experience from the Grandstands. For the Beer Garden Experience, it’s a rare experience to be able to have a closed venue with food and beer included AND be able to go onto the viewing platform to see the track at your leisure. We wanted to provide guests with the most unique experience possible at a low and more affordable price point.”
Christina also remarked that embarking on the Turn 4 Experience with Ellis Island really means, “supporting one of the only family owned and small casino properties on the track. We have put together a product that we are proud of and that people can enjoy during this historic race”.
What are you most looking forward to over the weekend?
“I’m most excited to see the juxtaposition of the cars coming down Koval Lane partnered with a place where I grew up. I think that it’s going to be so exciting to watch it alongside people who have been our customers for years and also people who are fresh faces visiting the property for the first time but may have watched F1 for years.”
This is something that as a Las Vegas native - I wholeheartedly agree with as the author of this piece.
Is there anything we haven’t covered that you want to share?
Ellis has just announced single-day tickets to the Grandstands and room packages are still available! You can find any information you need, purchase tickets, or purchase hotel packages at the Turn 4 at Ellis Island Website. Additional information will be shared daily on Ellis Island’s social media pages, namely their Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Closing Remarks
Overall, as a Formula 1 Fan who has attended a number of races this season AND a Las Vegas Native, Ellis Island has really HIT the mark and surpassed my expectations when putting together the Turn 4 Experience. Both the Beer Garden and Grandstand experiences have been meticulously planned and are bound to provide a fun, engaging, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for fans attending this year AND in future years.
Do you want to hear from the rest of the Ellis Island team? Check out our video on site at the Ellis Island Beer Garden!
Ellis Island Turn 4 Experience - FAQ: Logistics and Other Frequently Asked Questions
What forms of entertainment will be happening at each experience and the hotel?
There will be DJs on site Thursday and Friday from 6 PM - 2 AM and Saturday from 7 PM - midnight.
There will be giveaways and contests throughout the weekend for merch and other prizes
Sponsors will be onsite including Monster Energy (a Mercedes F1 Team sponsor) who will have activations in both the Grandstand and Beer Garden. Christina was notably most excited to see what the sponsors bring to the table and how they “show up” to add to the experience.
Standard Ellis Island Casino programming including the sportsbook will be open throughout the race weekend.
Will ticket holders have access to the actual casino floor?
Yes, the casino floor will be open to all Turn 4 patrons as well as the public.
Will any discounts be offered (military, local, senior)?
There is an upcoming Veterans Day Discount.
Are any options sold out or expected to sell out prior to the start of the race weekend? Can you buy at the door?
Three-day and Saturday passes are sold out for the Beer Garden Experience at the time of this article. Tickets will be available on site for purchase as long as supplies last. Tickets will be emailed upon purchase with a QR code to be scanned at the door. For any ticketing concerns, please visit Ellis Island Hotel for assistance from staff.
Can Ellis Island ticket holders access any other parts of the circuit grounds or entertainment?
Ellis Island is operating as a separate entity to the official Formula 1 grandstands, general admission and hospitality suites (as are many other hotels along the circuit). Ticket holders will have full access to the Ellis Island Casino grounds, but not other parts of the track.
Where will merchandise be sold?
Merchandise is already being sold at the promotions booth in Ellis Island. During the event there will be merchandise tables set up behind the Grandstands as well as within the Beer Garden.
What types of merchandise will be sold?
Merchandise will all be Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix and Turn Four at Ellis Island branded. There will be a full zip hoodie, long-sleeve t-shirt, keychains, hats, scarves and knit hats. Christina noted that the long-sleeve t-shirt was her favorite piece and a must-buy - especially with the colder weather.
What is your bag policy?
Ellis Island will use large event bag policies that are standard to Las Vegas. Each guest can bring a bag made of clear vinyl or PVC that must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12” and a small clutch bag, 4.5” x 6.5” x 2”. Any necessary medical items are excluded from this policy, but these items are subject to search prior to entry. Bags and items that are not allowed include, but are not limited to, purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, seat cushions, luggage of any kind, computer bags, and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
How will parking and rideshare to and from the hotel be operated?
Parking is free and guaranteed for hotel guests and those who have purchased the ticket and room packages, but first-come, first-served for all other patrons.
There will be a designated Uber/Lyft pick up and drop off zone on Ellis Island Premises, but note that this will not be exclusive to Ellis Island Patrons and could become busy.
Is Ellis Island accessible on foot?
Yes, Ellis Island and the Turn 4 Experience is accessible via the walkway connecting the Flamingo Hotel over Koval (the Turn 4 straight). You can also choose to walk from neighboring properties such as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Christina highlighted the monorail that runs along Las Vegas Blvd will also have a stop at the Horseshoe Casino (formerly Bally’s) and is a quick walk to the Flamingo walkway. This will be an easy way for those staying along the strip to access Ellis Island.
Will ticket holders enter through the hotel to access the Beer Garden and Grandstands?
Yes, the northern driveway of the hotel will be the main entry point for all ticket holders and guests visiting the property.
What times will patrons and guests have access to the Grandstands and Beer Garden?
Event doors open daily at 6 PM for both the Grandstands and Beer Garden. Re-entry is allowed between sessions. At all times, guests are welcome to visit the casino and other restaurants on property to enjoy any amenities or entertainment outside of the race.
Please note: due to track closure starting at 5 PM, guests are encouraged to arrive early and to pay attention to emails and social updates from Ellis Island, which may include early check-in options or alternate solutions to mitigate the inconvenience.
Is there WiFi?
Yes, there will be WiFi in both the Grandstands and the Beer Garden. You will be able to access race feeds on your phone, post on social media (with the hashtag #Turn4AtEllis), and more!
What kinds of restrooms will be available?
There will be premium portable restrooms behind the Grandstand and all patrons will have access to casino restrooms inside.
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