Red Bull Showrun in Downtown Phoenix on March 14 will close key streets and alter transit service

A Formula 1 demonstration is set to reshape travel patterns in the city center Saturday afternoon

Downtown Phoenix is preparing for the Red Bull Showrun, a free public motorsports demonstration scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, with on-street running planned from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event footprint is centered on East Jefferson Street, where demonstration vehicles are expected to operate along the corridor between South Central Avenue and South 5th Street.

Organizers describe the Showrun as an exhibition rather than a competitive race. The program is expected to include Formula 1 cars from Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, alongside additional Red Bull motorsports vehicles. Public viewing is planned from the street-level perimeter along the route, with fan-zone activations and event merchandising anticipated in the immediate downtown area.

Street closures: Jefferson Street and surrounding blocks to be restricted

City transportation officials have advised that the most direct impacts will be concentrated around Jefferson Street. Closures are expected to begin early on March 14 and continue into the evening, affecting Jefferson Street between 3rd Street and 5th Street and adjacent blocks needed for event operations and safety controls.

With multiple events typically drawing visitors into the downtown core on weekends, officials are urging residents, workers and attendees to plan for delays, detours and reduced curb access near the route. Drivers should expect that routine pickup, drop-off, and short-stay parking patterns may be disrupted near the closure area throughout the day.

Valley Metro changes: light rail station closure and bus detours

Public transit service will also be adjusted during the event window. The light rail station at Jefferson Street and 3rd Street is scheduled to be closed on March 14. Riders traveling through downtown are expected to use nearby alternatives at the Downtown Phoenix Hub and Washington Street stations for both directions of travel.

Bus service changes are also planned. Route 0 northbound is expected to operate on detour beginning at midnight on Saturday, March 14, and continuing until 8 a.m. on Sunday, March 15.

What to know before going downtown

• Arrive with extra time for downtown travel, especially if crossing Jefferson Street or accessing nearby garages.

• Expect louder-than-normal noise levels near the course due to motorsports demonstrations; hearing protection may be appropriate for some attendees.

• Bring a reusable water bottle; free refill stations are planned along the event path.

Operational impacts are expected to extend beyond the driving window, as set-up and breakdown require street and transit restrictions earlier and later than the on-route demonstrations.

City officials have emphasized advance planning for parking and transit, noting that road restrictions and station closures will concentrate foot traffic at alternative stops and along open north-south and east-west routes surrounding the downtown grid.