Downtown Phoenix is about to get loud. On Saturday, March 14th, a Formula 1 car will tear through the streets of the city’s urban core as part of the Red Bull Showrun, a free public demonstration event that draws massive crowds and temporarily reshapes traffic patterns across the area.
Here’s what residents and visitors need to know before heading downtown.
Jefferson Street between 3rd and 5th streets — the heart of the course — will be closed beginning in the early morning hours of March 14th and remaining shut through the evening. The closure will ripple into surrounding blocks, and with multiple other events also scheduled downtown that day, the city is urging everyone to budget extra travel time regardless of their destination.
Light rail riders will need to adjust their plans as well. The Jefferson Street and 3rd Street station will be completely closed on Saturday. Valley Metro is directing passengers to use the Downtown Phoenix Hub instead, with Washington Street at 3rd Street and the Washington Street stations both serving eastbound and westbound travel. Route 0 northbound will also run on a detour from midnight Saturday through 8 a.m. Sunday morning.
For those driving, the city recommends reserving parking in advance through the ParkPHX app at parkphx.com, particularly given the convergence of events expected to draw large crowds throughout the day.
A couple of practical notes for attendees: the event is free and family-friendly, but Formula 1 engines are genuinely loud — ear protection is worth considering, especially for young children. Free water refill stations will be available along the route, so bringing a reusable bottle is a smart move given the mid-March Arizona heat.
