After the conclusion of the 2023 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, it's time to examine some aspects that characterized the weekend but were often overshadowed by the main headlines. Like in any event, there were things that worked seamlessly and others that showed shortcomings. Let's take an overview of these issues in the hope that they can be addressed more effectively in the future.
THE COMPLEX TICKET MANAGEMENT
The ticket sales were marked by chaos, causing numerous inconveniences. As soon as tickets became available on the Ticketone platform, they were literally swarmed. Those trying to purchase grandstand seats often encountered the message of "sold out" only to suddenly see additional tickets available. This issue was particularly frustrating for companies that needed specific seats for their managers and collaborators.
It was noticed that some foreign websites, including Dutch, Polish, and surprisingly Ukrainian ones, bought a large number of tickets with a 20% discount but later resold them at double the original price. In other words, despite the discount, tickets ended up being more expensive. The decline in Ferrari's performance and a lack of confidence led to ticket resale by intermediaries at discounted prices, resulting in empty seats on race day. Furthermore, some last-minute offers after Ferrari's pole position (which led to the sale of an additional 1700 tickets) caused dissatisfaction among those who had purchased tickets at full price or at an inflated price from external sellers.
It is essential to adopt a more transparent commercial policy that does not discourage companies and fans. The same applies to hospitality suites, where some complaints concerned catering and services. A piece of advice: turn to certified vendors affiliated with Formula 1 or equip the Monza circuit with a more efficient commercial office to handle these situations.
THE GRANDSTANDS AND THE SPECTATORS
The Sunday grandstands fortunately saw a resurgence of interest from fans, with enthusiastic participation characterized by waving flags and a festive atmosphere. Although the total number of spectators (304,138) did not reach the previous year's record (336,000), this was still a remarkable result given the circumstances. The fan zone area deserves special mention, with dedicated spaces and a variety of attractions that provide a solid foundation for the future. The dedicated area for historic Formula 1 cars managed by Officina Caira was also outstanding, allowing fans to get up close to the cars. A good idea that could find a permanent place in many GPs in the coming years.
PRESS ROOM AND ACCREDITATION
The management of press accreditations raised several concerns. Despite the spacious press room with 100 available seats, accreditations were denied to journalistic outlets and experienced journalists, some of whom have written pages of Formula 1 history over the past 30 years. This issue appears to be a source of controversy between the FIA and local organizers. The situation is complicated by the presence of individuals with VIP passes in the press room, even though some of them should not have had access to this area. Some claimed to have been authorized by other sources, but it was not clear who granted such authorizations.
Fortunately, there were no incidents of theft in the photographers' room this time, unlike negative experiences in the past. However, there were issues with lost passes at the accreditation center, which were later reprinted but not activated promptly, causing inconvenience to those affected. The press room overall functioned well thanks to the experience and passion of the journalists present.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTS
The management of traffic and transportation received several criticisms. Some entrances to the circuit were closed and reopened unpredictably, causing confusion among participants. It was revealed that the roads around the circuit were often blocked and congested, especially on Saturdays. It was noted that even the executives of ACI Milan and the racetrack were stuck for over an hour on the surrounding streets. Traffic management seems to be improvable, but it is important to remember that the Grand Prix is an event that requires careful planning.
ISSUES WITH SHUTTLES AND GENERAL ADMISSION
Contrary to previous years, access to the paddock area was severely restricted, preventing ticket holders from getting close. The area was enclosed by barriers, with only one entrance and exit, creating cramped spaces and slowing down the flow of people. Access to the fan zone was also complicated, with the underpass at P11 congested and shuttle services blocked, creating challenging situations for pedestrians and drivers. Internal traffic management appears to have slipped from the organizers' control and requires a review.
In conclusion, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza was an event with both strengths and weaknesses. While some areas worked well, others showed deficiencies in management, especially regarding tickets, press accreditation, traffic, and internal access. It is important to address these issues more effectively to improve the overall experience of participants in the future.
© Press office Cavalieri Garage & Co.
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