Grand Prix Tampa Closes Permanently After 43 Years

TAMPA, FL — A Tampa family entertainment business is shuttering its doors after more than four decades.

Grand Prix Tampa announced its permanent closing on its website, effective Monday.

"Thank you for 43 years of fun!" was written next to the announcement.

The attraction, located off US Highway 41 on the north side near Bearrs Avenue, featured go-kart racing, miniature golf, batting cages and an arcade, among other family-friendly activities.

The property was purchased for $8.2 million in December by Christian and Carlos Yepes, according to Hillsborough County property records.

They plan to build an apartment complex on the site, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Grand Prix Tampa also announced its closing on its official Facebook page, prompting local residents to express sadness about the end of an area staple.

"It's sad to see this place go, but also nice to see the love of arcade and pinball making a comeback. Keep the spirit alive. Thanks for all the good memories," one Facebook user said.

"This is such a bummer," another user said. "My daughter recently went there for a birthday party. She loved the gasoline engine go carts as opposed to the electric ones at the other places."