Jon Gruden Named Grand Marshal for Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Jon Gruden will serve as Grand Marshal for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 1. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach will give the command for drivers to start their engines at the season-opening race of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

Gruden will take part in pre-race ceremonies before the 100-lap race around the 1.8-mile, 14-turn downtown street circuit. He'll also ride in the parade car ahead of the 25-car starting field just before the green flag drops.

"This will be my first ever Grand Prix in St. Petersburg on Sunday," Gruden said, according to TampaBay28.com. "Can't wait to see these great drivers in action and make some new friends. Looking forward to an amazing event."

The coach won Super Bowl XXXVII as head coach of the Buccaneers. That brought Tampa Bay its first Lombardi Trophy in 2003. When he claimed the championship, Gruden was the youngest head coach to win an NFL title.

Gruden also coached the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders over two stints from 1998-2001 and 2018-21. The Bucs Ring of Honor includes him as a member.

From 2009-18, Gruden worked as a color analyst for ESPN's "Monday Night Football" and as an analyst for the NFL Draft and postseason college football games. In 2024, he joined Barstool Sports. He appears on their football programming, The Pro Football Football Show and Gruden's QB Class.

The race weekend kicks off today. Fans can attend the Party in the Park at North Straub Park and the annual 5K on the track. For the first time, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will hold a street race, the OnlyBulls Green Flag 150, on Saturday.

Both 3-Day and Single Day Grandstand tickets are available. General Admission tickets start as low as $30. For complete pricing, schedule, and festival information, visit gpstpete.com.