Welcome

2019 marked the 45th annual Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach which attracted 187,000 fans over three days. It’s also the third year of Call 811’s partnership with the event. It allows 811 to engage Southern Californians through onsite and local media outreach as well as a national audience via social and digital content as well as TV viewership on NBCSN and CBS Sports. The weekend was full of activity and included an IndyCar race as well as an IMSA race, which were both utilized by 811.

Key Results

Khrysanne Kerr, CGA’s VP Communications, has indicated that this investment was extremely effective for the California markets which pose unique challenges in preventing damage to pipelines.

These data points are mostly consistent with the increases during that span on a total web traffic level, which is worth noting due to the nationally televised elements.

Grand Prix Media Luncheon Presented By Call 811

Khrysanne Kerr, VP Communication for CGA, address the 150 credentialed media from local and national outlets, as well as team principals and drivers on the importance of Calling 811 Before You Dig. Kerr was joined on stage by 3X Indy 500 Champion and Team Penske IMSA Series driver Helio Castroneves.

Together, they unveiled a video that documented the safety steps implemented by AGPLB prior to installing Hospitality Village in Lagoon Park. The program concluded with Kerr and Helio “digging” into dessert, which provided a perfect photo opportunity for the assembled media.

Onsite Experiential Display        

With over 187,000 fans onsite throughout the 3-day weekend, Call 811 was able to engage and educate Southern Californians that no job is too small to call 811. Whether it was in the 811-branded booth or the 30’ tall SoCalGas “Big Shovel”, fans were reminded to Call 811 Before You Dig.

Track Branding

In addition to spreading the “Safe Digging” message to the local fans, 811 branding was placed throughout the race circuit to reach the thousands of fans watching the races from home. NBCSN broadcasted the IndyCar and IMSA races as well as practice and qualifying sessions with CBS Sports broadcasting the Pirelli GT Challenge. In total, “Call 811” received $368,108 in national (U.S.) broadcast media exposure value, plus $125,857 in onsite impact, per Joyce Julius & Associates.

Media Outreach & Social Media             

Call 811 developed a social media kit for its national call centers to help promote the event. In addition, Team Penske driver Helio Castroneves helped spread the “Safe Digging” message both onsite and through social media during the weekend.

VIP Experiences & Tickets                 

VIP access includes Pace Car Rides, Paddock Tours, Pit Road Access, Reserved Race Tickets and Team Penske Driver Meet-and-Greets.