Welcome to Circuit of the Americas for the 2016 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
We look forward to welcoming you to Circuit of The Americas for the biggest ever Formula 1 weekend. Below is info to help you get to COTA and enjoy all the festivities surrounding our 5th anniversary celebration. With everything from schedules to food options, this is your quick reference guide to a weekend of fun
Download the COTA App
Get the most out of your USGP experience with the freshly updated COTA App. With the schedule, maps, food options, entertainment and much more, it’s your easy reference guide to the USGP in the palm of
your hand. It contains all the information below and more.• Download iPhone App
• Download Android App
Upgrade Your USGP Experience
Race Seating Upgrades
You can easily upgrade to a bleacher seat in the exciting, fast esses section of the track online now or when you get to COTA at either box office or at the Experience Upgrade Tent in the Grand Plaza. Upgrade from General Admission to a raised bleacher to get a new, elevated view of the track. Get Upgraded Now
Music Upgrades
Get a music upgrade to enjoy Taylor Swift’s concert or Usher & The Roots’ concert from the closest area to the stage possible in a standing pit section. You can purchase the upgrade now online, or when you get to COTA at either box office or the Experience Upgrade Tent in the Grand Plaza. Get Upgraded Now
Event Map
Click the image below to view the full map.
On-Site Parking – Driving Directions
Reminder: Only guests who have already purchased a parking pass may drive on COTA’s property during USGP weekend. If you did not purchase parking, please review the shuttle options below.
Circuit of The Americas’ physical address is: 9201 Circuit of The Americas Blvd, Austin, TX 78617.
Note: Directions below may not apply due to your starting location. Recommend entering the physical address into a GPS system to determine best route to COTA.
Directions to Parking Lots A, B, C, D
Take SH130 to FM 812. Exit at FM 812 and travel east to COTA Blvd.
Directions to Parking Lots E, F, G, H, K
Take SH130 to Pearce Ln. Exit at Pearce Ln. and travel east to Kellam Rd. Turn right on Kellam Rd. and travel south to COTA Blvd.
Directions to Parking Lots L, M, N
Take SH71 to Wolf Ln. Travel south on Wolf Ln for 3.5 miles to Fagerquist Rd. Turn right at Fagerquist Rd. Travel west on Fagerquist Rd for 3 miles to Elroy Rd. Turn left on Elroy Rd and ravel south to Lots L, M or N.
Directions to Parking Lot T
Take SH130 (from Austin/San Antonio/Dallas) to FM 812 and travel east for 5.5 miles to Lot T.
Take Hwy71 (from Houston/Bastrop) to SH130 and head south. Take exit for FM812 and travel east for 5.5 miles to Lot T.
Shuttles to COTA from Austin
You have the following shuttle options available to get to COTA:
Downtown to Front Gate Shuttle
Running Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Only available online for pre-purchase. Purchase now for $50 per person each day to get dropped off near the main gate to the Grand Plaza along COTA Blvd.
Purchase Now
Downtown to McAngus Road Shuttle
Running Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Available online for $15 per person each day, or you may pay $20 cash per day at the pick-up location – the Austin Convention Center.
Purchase Now
Toney Burger Center to McAngus Road Shuttle
Running Saturday & Sunday
Available online for $15 per person each day, or you may pay $20 cash per day at the lot.
Purchase Now
Travis County Expo Center to McAngus Road Shuttle
Running Saturday & Sunday
Available online for $15 per person each day, or you may pay $20 cash per day at the lot.
Purchase Now
Event Schedule
Download the COTA App for iPhone or Android for the most up-to-date event schedule throughout the weekend, or view it at our website.
Radio Broadcast
Bring your headphones and catch live audio of the race through the COTA App. To view the full schedule of coverage, check the COTA App later this week. (iPhone App Download or Android App Download)
Autograph Sessions
Autograph sessions are open to all guests. Access to the drivers for an autograph will be on a first-come, first-served basis on the floor section of the Austin360 Amphitheater directly in front of the stage.
The schedule is subject to change and will be updated within the COTA App in realtime if changes occur – iPhone or Android.
USGP Opening Ceremonies
Formal Grand Prix opening ceremonies will begin at 12:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, October 23.
F1 Drivers Parade
Before getting behind the wheel to compete, the drivers will be driven around the Circuit as they are introduced to the crowd.
Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders
The cheerleaders of Texas’ most successful football franchise will perform some of their most dynamic and acrobatic routines to set the tone for a day of high-octane excitement.
(Location: Main Straight)
University of Texas Marching Band
Known as the Showband of the Southwest, the University of Texas Marching Band will dazzle spectators with their impeccable showmanship and sound.
(Location: Main Straight)
National Anthem
The National Anthem will be performed by Retired Naval PO, Generald Wilson.
(Location: Main Straight)
Air Display
Enjoy an awe-inspiring flyover by the 302nd Aviation Squadron from Ft. Hood at the end of the National Anthem.
(Location: Sky)
Prairie View A&M Marching Band
Guests will be treated to a special performance from the acclaimed band, known for its unique style for over 80 years. To learn more about the band and help them make it to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade next month, go here.
(Location: Turn 15 to Grand Plaza)
Entertainment, Food & Beverages
Download the COTA App to easily find all the entertainment activities and food options on the map.
(iPhone App Download or Android App Download)
Grand Plaza
The Grand Plaza will be a hub of activity and entertainment during USGP weekend. With everything from a stage presenting live music from local musicians throughout Saturday and Sunday to a Texas-themed sports bar and roaming entertainment, the Grand Plaza is a must-see area during the weekend.
Turn 1
Take a trip to the top of iconic Turn 1 to experience the spectacular view from the highest elevation around the Circuit. Multiple food and beverage options will be located around the hill, and live music will entertain guests on a stage near the Grandstand throughout Saturday and Sunday.
Turn 3 – Turn 6
A variety of food offerings will be available in this stretch of the track. You can also find live music throughout Saturday and Sunday, the popular Biergarten with delicious brews and event merchandise.
Turn 9 – Turn 10
Enjoy many options for food and beverages around the Turn 9 Grandstand.
Main Grandstand
Guests in the Main Grandstand will find themselves surrounded by event merchandise, live music on Saturday and Sunday, multiple food options and more.
Tower Observation Deck Tours
Take a trip to the top of COTA’s 25-story Tower to the glass-bottomed observation deck to see the stunning 360 degree view of the Circuit from a bird’s-eye-view. Tower Observation Deck Tickets are offered at the base of the Tower during USGP weekend for $30 per person. Take in the views in style with a Chandon Sparkling Champagne upgrade for an additional fee.
Food & Beverages
With everything from beloved Austin Tex-Mex to BBQ to American burgers and fries, there’s a little something for every diet. Download our app (for iPhone or Android) to see a full list of food and drink vendors, as well as their locations and main menu items.
Fan Track Invasion
To join the celebration on the track once the Grand Prix has concluded on Sunday and the winner is raising his trophy, you can access the track via the following gates from 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.:
Main Grandstand East, Main Grandstand West, Turn 1B, Turn 19
Taylor Swift and Usher & The Roots Concerts
Taylor Swift and Usher & The Roots will take to our COTA Super Stage in the Circuit’s infield between Turn 11 and Turn 12.
Music Upgrades
If you have yet to purchase a music upgrade to be closer to the stage, there are only a few remaining. Buy your music upgrade online now to enjoy Taylor Swift’s concert or Usher & The Roots’ concert from a dedicated standing pit in front of the stage. You can also swing by either box office or the Experience Upgrade Tent in the Grand Plaza to upgrade.
How to Get to the Super Stage
Gates to the Circuit open at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. The gates to the Super Stage are tentatively slated to open at 5:30 p.m., however this time is subject to change due to the logistics of converting a Formula 1 track to a concert venue.
• General Admission – GA concert guests will enter the Super Stage area from Turn 9 and Turn 11 (see pink “ENTER” marks on the map below). If you have a concert upgrade and are near Turn 9 or Turn 11, you may enter the festival lawn, head to the front of the lawn and proceed down the stairs to the upgrade section after presenting your upgrade ticket to the staff at the stairs.
• VIP and Upgrade – Standing Room Only and Bleacher Upgrades will enter near Tunnel 2 (see yellow “ENTER” on the map below)
Permitted/Prohibited Items
To see a full list of permitted and prohibited items, please go here or view the info in our COTA App. Note there are different restrictions for those in the upgrade areas.
Checking Bags/Cameras with Detachable Lenses
With backpacks and cameras prohibited in the standing and bleacher upgrade areas, we recommend storing them in your vehicle if you’ve parked on-site. Alternatively, you may check a bag or camera at any of our guest services booths set up throughout the Circuit (view locations on the map or in the COTA App). We will securely store your belongings in a locked space while you enjoy the concerts, and you can pick them back up afterwards.
ADA Assistance
Disability assistance carts are on standby to assist guests with disabilities. Please make a request through any event staff, or call one directly at 512.655.6217. ADA Services Tents will also be located outside the gates of the Main Grandstand, Grand Plaza, Turn 1 and Turn 4.
If you need assistance and do not see any staff nearby, please contact us via our text alert system. Text 69050 with the acronym “COTA” followed by your request or question. If it’s a location-based inquiry, please include your location.
Safety Information
Our guests’ safety is of the utmost importance. To view all prohibited items, please visit our F1 USGP FAQ online.
If you need assistance at any point while you’re at Circuit of The Americas, swing by a Guest Services Tent (view map for locations, or check the COTA App). We’re here to help you have a great time and answer your questions! If you aren’t near a Guest Services Tent, send us a text at 69050 with “COTA” followed by your request or question. If it’s a location-based inquiry, please also include your location.
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN EVENTS – Bud Light Fan Fest
Bud Light Fan Fest will take place Friday, October 21 through Saturday, October 22. Join us each evening in downtown Austin on 6th Street for a free continuation of The American Sound Track celebration.
Keep the party going with experiential and exciting activities, including car displays, a visual walk down F1 memory lane, activations from Facebook, Bud Light, Topo Chico, Perky Jerky, Advance Auto Parts and much more.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM White Ghost Shivers
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM Wino Vino
8:00 PM – 9:45 PM Boss Street Band
10:15 PM – 12:00 AM Flying Balalaika Brothers
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Peligrosa’s DJ Manolo Black
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Stella Cottrell
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM Riders Against The Storm – Body Rock
10:30 PM – 12:00 AM Ducado Vega in celebration of Prince
We look forward to seeing you very soon. Until then, stay connected with us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the USGP and get to interact with COTA in a unique way. And once you’re here, share your experience with us on social media via #COTA and #USGP.
