Jobs, tourism and entertainment race into Grand Prairie

Published on July 10, 2024

Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen and members of the Grand Prairie City Council cut the ribbon on the 95,000 sq. foot Andretti Karting and Games venue Tuesday, July 9.

The race to becoming the top destination in Texas is heating up as Grand Prairie welcomes Andretti Karting and Games to its growing roster of popular attractions along the 161 corridor.  Mayor Ron Jensen and members of the city council joined Andretti officials in a ceremonial victory lap Tuesday at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

"I think they're going to be successful here," Jensen said at Tuesday's event.  "They'll be welcomed by our community, welcomed by our staff. They will be welcomed by our council.  We are becoming the entertainment capital of the world for family entertainment."

Andretti Karting and Games brings 350 jobs and is the latest addition to a booming entertainment center next to Ikea, Bass Pro Shops, which opened in June, and Topgolf, which plans to open in 2025.

While Tuesday’s ceremony offered high-speed fun for city leaders, Andretti executives and select residents, it officially opened to the public Wednesday July 10.

Andretti Karting and Games features high-speed electric Superkarts, a multi-level track, arcade, virtual reality games, laser tag, a 7D Xperience Motion Theater, full bar and high-end food offerings, all within its high-tech, colorful and climate-controlled environment.