Ellis Island Casino joins Las Vegas Grand Prix as official partner following lawsuit dismissal

A year after filing a lawsuit against the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Ellis Island Casino has joined forces with the event as an official race venue.

Located just off the Las Vegas Strip on Koval Lane, next to the Grand Prix Plaza, Ellis Island had been critical of the 2023 event’s impact on local access and business operations.

The casino had served as a viewing zone during the inaugural race, but later sought damages exceeding $50,000, alleging that race-related closures and traffic disruptions caused substantial revenue losses.

The lawsuit, filed in April 2024, argued that road closures on Koval Lane, where parts of the race circuit are located, restricted access to the property in the weeks leading up to, during, and after the event.

The suit, which claimed Ellis Island lost “millions of dollars” due to the race, was dismissed in September 2024 by Judge Joanna Kishner, court records show. Despite the legal friction, the two parties have now struck a partnership agreement ahead of the 2025 race.

Ellis Island will again host a designated spectator area and will offer hotel packages for race weekend, scheduled for November 20–22. As part of the agreement, Ellis Island will also host the annual Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada Halloween Bash at Grand Prix Plaza.

“We are thrilled to be growing our partnership with Ellis Island,” said Emily Prazer, president and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., in a statement. “Over the last two years, we have committed to working with the community and local businesses to ensure they are part of the race week excitement. Ellis Island is not only a great partner for us but also offers fans another exciting viewing location along the circuit.”

The collaboration comes as race officials continue efforts to build goodwill among residents and businesses affected by the annual event. The 2023 Grand Prix prompted extensive infrastructure work, including road resurfacing along the 3.7-mile street circuit and the installation of a temporary bridge on Flamingo Road. Traffic disruptions extended over a nine-month period due to construction, race operations, and post-event teardown.

By contrast, preparations for the 2024 race have resulted in fewer logistical impacts. The bridge over Flamingo was half the size of the previous year’s structure, and roadwork was scaled down overall.

Organizers have also made community outreach a greater focus. In addition to reducing disruptions, the Grand Prix has offered complimentary tickets to various Southern Nevada residents, including small business owners and educators.

This month, ticket giveaways were extended to the owners of Tacotarian restaurants and a teacher at Greenspun Middle School in Henderson. Locals were also granted early access to 2025 ticket sales, ahead of the general public.

Gary Ellis, owner of Ellis Island, welcomed the new chapter in the property's relationship with the race. “As we enter into this partnership with our neighbors on Koval Lane, we look forward to working with Las Vegas Grand Prix to extend our offerings at Ellis Island during race weekend and beyond,” Ellis said.