The Circuit of the Americas, or COTA, was built to host the United States Grand Prix and is the first to be purpose-built for Formula One racing in the United States. The 3.41 mile long run of twenty twisting turns were specially designed by extracting small details from the world’s most challenging F1 courses. From the starting line to the finish line racers will experience a total elevation change of 133 feet and, like only three other current Formula 1 tracks, will be racing in an anticlockwise direction.
The Austin Formula One venue holds 120,000 spectators and will house grandstand, premium, and two types of general admission seating. Along with being one of the premiere Formula One tracks in the world, COTA will also feature a top of the line amphitheater situated directly under the venues signature 251 foot observation tower. The Amphitheater will have room to accommodate 14,000 guests with reserved seating for 6,700. Check out the Austin360 Amphitheater page for more information and tickets for that venue.
Auto Racing at the Circuit of the Americas
While the United States Grand Prix in November is always the biggest event of the year, it isn’t the only one. Grand Prix motorcycle racing, V8 Supercars, the American Le Mans Series, the Rolex Sports Car Series and the FIA World Endurance Championship have all been held at COTA, and they’re only expecting more throughout the years. The biggest event added to the venue thus far has been the X-Games, which will start in Austin in the summer of 2014.
Check out our US Grand Prix Event Guide for a detailed seating description of the Circuit of the Americas.
Concerts at the Circuit of the Americas
The Austin360 Amphitheater is located on the COTA grounds and has become one of the premier concert venues in Austin, Texas. From outlandish comedy shows to the biggest acts in show business, there is not much that can't go on at COTA. Check out our Austin360 Amphitheater page for more information on COTA's concert venue.
Circuit of the Americas Venue Guide
What’s the best way to get to the Circuit of the Americas?
If you’re planning on driving, leave time for traffic as 100,000 other people will also being going to track on US Grand Prix race days. TicketCity sells parking passes, and it’s about a 15 mile trip east from downtown Austin. There are also helicopters that drop patrons right at the track, as well as shuttles.
What is the best place to sit at the Circuit of the Americas?
That’s all up to what part of the race you want to see, or what turn you like. There are grandstands along many of the turns in addition to main grandstand you’ll see in most photos. There are three big screens facing the main grandstand, and there are seven different sections there. Trackside seating gets you as close to the action as possible, while balcony seating is a little higher and is the biggest section. There are Founders’ Suites and Legacy Suites on the third level with a great view of the track.