What is the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and where is it located?

The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a Grade 1 FIA-specification motor racing track and facility located in Austin, Texas. It is set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside of downtown Austin and was the first circuit in the United States purpose-built for Formula One.

What kind of events are hosted at COTA?

COTA hosts major racing, action sports, and music events, including Formula 1, MotoGP, and COTA Karting. It also features the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, an open-air music venue that can accommodate 14,000 people.

When did COTA open and who designed it?

COTA was designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with the American architectural firm HKS, with construction beginning on December 31, 2010. The track was officially opened on October 21, 2012, by 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti.

What is the capacity of the venue?

COTA has a total capacity of 120,000 people. Additionally, its open-air amphitheater can accommodate 14,000 people for music concerts.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) in Austin

Circuit of The Americas (COTA)

Circuit of The Americas is a world-class, 1,500-acre racing facility in Austin, Texas. As the USA's first purpose-built Formula One track, it hosts legendary motorsports and massive concerts for up to 120,000 fans.

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What to know

Nestled in the rolling hills just outside of downtown Austin, Texas, the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a premier Grade 1 FIA-specification motor racing track and facility. Spanning 1,500 acres, construction on this massive venue began on December 31, 2010. It holds the distinction of being the first circuit in the United States purpose-built specifically for Formula One racing. The world-renowned track was designed by Hermann Tilke in collaboration with the American architectural firm HKS. It officially opened on October 21, 2012, with legendary 1978 F1 champion Mario Andretti opening the track. The circuit itself measures 5.513 kilometers (or 3.426 miles) and hosted its first United States Grand Prix in 2012, marking the return of F1 racing to the country for the first time since the 2007 race in Indianapolis. COTA is designed to handle immense crowds, boasting an overall capacity of 120,000 spectators. Since its opening, it has hosted the biggest names in racing, action sports, and music. Beyond Formula 1, the venue is home to MotoGP, COTA Karting, and major entertainment events. It features an open-air amphitheater, the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, which can accommodate 14,000 people for music concerts at the base of the track's landmark observation tower. Visitors to the venue can experience world-class amenities during major events. The main grandstand offers in-seat food and drinks service, while those positioned at the stand at Turn 1 can enjoy sweeping views all the way to downtown Austin. Today, the United States Grand Prix at COTA remains celebrated as one of the most popular races on the Formula 1 calendar.

Visitor tips

Head to the stand at Turn 1 for incredible views looking all the way back to downtown Austin.
If sitting in the main grandstand, take advantage of the convenient in-seat food and drinks service.
Check out the landmark observation tower, which features a 14,000-capacity open-air amphitheater at its base.

Nearby context

Situated in the scenic rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, the Circuit of The Americas occupies a vast 1,500-acre landscape. While it sits apart from the city's dense urban core, it serves as a massive hub for global sports and entertainment, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to this quiet pocket of the Texas countryside.

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