The CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver, which runs Aug. 7-15, brings a lot of people, noise and changes to the Auraria campus. Here are some tips to successfully navigate around campus during the event.

1. Avoid Auraria Parkway. Denver officials will close outbound Auraria Parkway from 7th Street to 11th Street on Wednesday Aug. 11, at about 7 p.m. In-bound Auraria Parkway closes Thursday, Aug. 12, at 10 a.m. Both corridors will remain closed through Sunday, Aug. 15, but will reopen in time for the morning rush on Monday, Aug. 16.
2. Use West Colfax. During the Grand Prix, the quickest way to access campus is to enter from West Colfax Avenue.
3. Carry your campus ID. If you plan to park on campus Aug. 13-15, be prepared to show your college ID. Otherwise, you will be charged the "special event" rate. All parking lots will be open to students, faculty and staff.
4. Use the jug-handle turn on the Auraria Parkway for Parking Lot R. This lot will be accessible from Speer Boulevard only via this route.
5. Keep RTD changes in mind. RTD will detour buses around the Grand Prix site starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, through 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16.
6. Watch for big crowds on Light Rail. Auraria anticipates that Light Rail will be heavily used Aug. 13-15. Also, the "C-Line" won't stop at the Pepsi Center Station beginning Thursday, Aug. 12; it will remain closed until Monday morning.
7. Bring ID's and keys on Sunday. Campus classroom buildings will be locked on Sunday, Aug. 15, for security reasons. Faculty and staff wishing to access campus buildings on Sunday will need to have their campus ID's and building keys on hand.
   

Some "grand-iose" fun

Want to take part in the CENTRIX Financial Grand Prix of Denver? The event features a week's activities that range from the race itself to a muscle car competition and a Vintage Race of top Colorado drivers in their beautifully restored cars.

Campus employees (with valid driver's licenses) interested in participating in the Mini Grand Prix go-kart races will receive a discounted price of $20 for 10 laps on a first-come, first-served basis, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, through Sunday, Aug. 15.

The Celebrity Mini Grand Prix of Denver runs Saturday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tell officials you work on campus. There is no charge to watch the fun and cheer on your favorite go-kart driver! These Mini Grand Prix races will operate on a scaled replica of the real track located in the Auraria Campus parking lots between 7th and 9th Streets along the Auraria Parkway. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Auraria Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will in turn benefit the three campus institutions.

Other events surrounding the race weekend include the Rock-N-Roar concert Saturday night, Aug. 14, featuring Sugar Ray. Also featured are X-treme skateboarding, stunt bike demos, a kid's zone, exhibits, vendors and food.

Tickets can be purchased at the Pepsi Center Box Office, at Ticket Master Outlets, or online at www.gpdenver.com or www.ticketmaster.com.