Spectator Viewing Areas at Schenley Park for Both Tracks
July 19-20, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 17, 2025
Media Contact
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association
Dan DelBianco, Executive Director
P: 412-559-3500
E: delbianco@pvgp.org
With one month to go until the July 19–20 Race Weekend, preparations in Schenley Park are accelerating despite a major new challenge. The closure of Panther Hollow Bridge, the traditional gateway to the circuit, has prompted a complete redesign of the event layout.
Organizers, working closely with the City of Pittsburgh’s Special Events Committee and supported by more than 1,000 volunteers, are using the change as an opportunity to enhance the experience for fans and drivers.
This year’s event will introduce a new hillclimb along a one-mile section of the original course through the golf course. A redesigned two-mile race circuit will also debut, climbing past the Schenley Skating Rink and looping around the Overlook and Oval for a more demanding and dynamic route.
Volunteers have been meeting on-site to revise track designs, plan logistics, and implement new safety measures. The scale and complexity of this year’s adjustments rival those of the event’s inaugural year in 1983.
Despite the disruption, anticipation is high. With 50,000 fans expected each day, the 2024 Schenley Park Race Weekend is set to be one of the most ambitious and exciting editions in PVGP history.
Spectator Access: MOTUL Panther Hollow Hillclimb
The 1-mile hillclimb course begins near Phipps Conservatory and ascends the historic West Circuit Drive, ending near the Neill Log House. The best hillclimb viewing areas include:
- The golf course features five exciting turns.
- Flagstaff Hill – view of the starting line and paddock.
- Westinghouse Pond – hairpin turn.
Spectator Access: UPMC Schenley Oval
A new track layout promises thrilling action and enhanced viewing. Spectators can access the interior of the track by walking:
- Across the Panther Hollow Bridge (pedestrians only).
- Through Anderson Playground, under the bridge tunnel.
- Alongside the Schenley Swimming Pool and crossing Overlook Drive (track crossings allowed only between race sessions).
Once inside the track, here are the best viewing areas:
- Vietnam Veterans Pavilion, featuring an area where cars run in both directions and around the haybale chicane.
- Overlook section of the course—watch racers charge a quarter mile up the hill to the finish line. Spectators can watch from beside the Schenley Ice Skating Rink, featuring a spectator tent with restrooms, seating, and refreshments.
Note: The walk from the Visitors Center to the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion is approximately 1/2 mile. No motor vehicles are allowed inside the track.