The Austin Grand Prix Presents: The Singapore GP "Pre-Party" at Star Bar
As drivers were waking up for their first day of the 2012 Singapore Grand Prix weekend, members of the Austin community gathered at the iconic Star Bar on West 6th Street to learn more about motorsports.
With a rapidly expanding public interest in Formula 1TM, The Austin Grand Prix invited guests to experience a taste of the grand prix lifestyle and learn about F1 TM in a social setting. Guests enjoyed an evening of networking as Event Partner, DNA Events, transformed Star Bar into a hip and happening venue (even more so than usual). Premier Party Central jazzed up the decor with gorgeous table linens and gave us the ability to showcase some of our favorite F1 photos taken at the 2011 Canadian Grand Prix. We have been working with DNA Events and Premiere Party Central throughout the year and they always know the right elements to bring to the table and help set the mood for our events.
Our main event sponsor, US Star Events, was on hand to present VIP options for those interested in attending the USGP this November with an added level of style and support. Founder Shane Heminway spoke to dozens of individuals who wanted to hear more about how they've extended their decade-established Monaco sister company, Monaco Star Events, and presented guests comparable F1 package options for Austin this November. US Star Events is offering Paddock Club tickets, corporate suite and hospitality package options and have the experience to work with large groups to create a truly memorable USGP experience.
Our sponsor TicketCity was also on hand to discuss additional ticketing options for those interested in purchasing USGP tickets. On their website, TicketCity is able to offer many different types of USGP tickets; everything from General Admission tickets to various Grandstand tickets, for 1, 2 or 3 days. An important note to be made, many of TicketCity's offerings were once only made available through a Personal Seat License. However, they are able to offer these seats even for single race-day tickets, including Turn 1 ("Austin's Zenith") tickets for as low as $400. Availability changes on a daily basis, so be sure to check their site for the latest offerings.
Star Bar didn't need much transforming, as they have recently gone through major renovations. The perfectly situated venue on the corner of West 6th Street and Nueces Street now boasts over-sized full-pane windows that are able to open and let the cool Texan night breeze fill the expansive venue. On the back patio, guests can play a game of horse shoes on the perfectly manicured Astroturf or just enjoy company in the many patio tables. However, most of our guests took advantage of the front patio which borders the very pedestrian active West 6th Street. For those of you unfamiliar with Austin, you have likely heard of Austin's famed 6th Street. It is the most popular night life destination for all visitors. However, locals will be fast to explain that the portion of 6th Street that lies East of Congress attracts a younger, college-aged crowd. Those of us past our early 20's generally prefer to visit West 6th Street, as there are more lounge-type venues, bar/restaurant combinations and the like and it generally attracts a more mature crowd.
Such is the case at Star Bar, where the entire staff was hospitable and kept the drinks flowing, while decked out in a variety of Austin Grand Prix merchandise. They also aired one of our favorite movies, SENNA, as it provided great F1 action from the late 1980's and early 1990's.
Austin-based How Do You Roll? provided a variety of custom sushi rolls for guests to enjoy. The sushi rolls were a hit as the Chicken Rebellion, Back to Basics and Veggie Rolls quickly disappeared and satisfied the crowd.
Complete Music provided lively entertainment by DJ Bryan Smith, including transforming the venue with colorful lighting that gave it more of a lounge feel. In between spinning tunes, Bryan welcomed me, Kevin and DNA Events specialist, Lydia Smith, to the mic to greet the crowd. We also raffled off a variety of items throughout the night including merchandise vouchers, the SENNA Movie DVD, and Alexander Rossi autographed COME AND RACE IT™ stickers.
Kevin and I spoke to the crowd and explained the upcoming Singapore F1 race, what made it a fun race for drivers and viewers and what guests could watch for in the weekend’s broadcast on SPEED TV. We also spoke about what makes F1 different from other racing series, the impact of hosting an F1 race in Austin and the importance of up and coming American driver, Alexander Rossi, to the sport. In addition, our guest hosts Allison Berguin, Connie Bakonyi, Jenny Tynes and Scooter Womack graciously met with dozens of guests one-on-one throughout the night, answering motorsport questions and helping them prepare for F1 in Austin.
As the sixth event AGP has hosted this year, one could definitely feel the excitement in the air as the Inaugural F1 USGP inches closer to start. This event welcomed the most lively and engaging guests to date, as the Austin community has accepted that F1 will be here soon and they are gaining a better understanding of various motorsports through social events such as this. Thank you for joining us!
AGP would like to thank DNA Events, US Star Events, TicketCity,Star Bar, Premiere Party Central, Complete Music and How Do You Roll?for their participation in making this event a huge success!
// Click here to view the entire photo Gallery from the night.
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