Everything’s larger than life in Texas: the welcoming people, the world-class beef – even the sporting spectacles. To visit the Lone Star State is an experience like no other, which leads us neatly on to the return of Formula One at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) 1-3 November 2019. Yep, it's set to be a Halloween weekend that you won't forget anytime soon. While the holiday is usually associated with jack-o'-lanterns, bonfires, and apple bobbing – and Austin's 6th Street can regularly be found turned into an adult haven of haunted, costumed fun – this year's celebrations look set to be even more exciting, and a hell of a lot faster, than usual. You'll be able to find trick or treating and spooky ghouls alongside aggressive gear-shifting in the city this year because All Hallows' Eve is set to see Austin transformed into a haven for all the petrolheads among us.
Yes, the pinnacle of motorsports is returning to Austin, Texas for a weekend-long celebration of speed and sound featuring the world’s finest F1 drivers and headline performances from P!nk and Imagine Dragons. We’re not putting it lightly when we say that it’s set to be a weekend that you won’t soon forget.
Set on 1,500 acres in the rolling hills just outside downtown Austin, COTA is a 3.41-mile racetrack that was designed to challenge the world’s most exacting competitors, while providing a thrilling spectacle for audiences. It’s safe to say it's succeeded at both those aims – and won the respect of the global racing elite. It’s here where you’ll be able to watch Lewis Hamilton go head-to-head with Max Verstappen in a petroleum-induced duel for the ages. All, of course, while the warm Texan sun beats down on your back.
The 20-turn, counter-clockwise circuit takes advantage of the naturally undulating Texan landscape, including an intimidating 133ft hill at Turn 1 that rattles the nerves of even the most experienced drivers. However, this is more than just a formidable circuit. And Austin itself is far from a formidable city. There's a reason why the U.S. News & World Report named Austin the #1 place to live in the U.S. in 2017 and 2018. From the lush greenery of the Zilker Metropolitan Park to the serene stillness of the Lady Bird Lake, Austin's got a little something for everybody. Including a bustling food and drink scene that puts just about any other city to shame.
That being said, even if you don't explore all that the city of Austin has to offer – which you really should – Circuit of The Americas should still have you satisfied. Also within the perimeter of the track is the Austin360 Amphitheatre, the largest permanent outdoor amphitheatre in Central Texas (which is saying something), complete with its very own 251ft signature observation tower. This unique treasure in the Live Music Capital of the World has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including KISS, Kanye West, Kenny Chesney, Drake, Maroon 5 and Kelly Clarkson.
From three-day race passes to VIP hospitality, there’s a range of different packages available at this year’s F1. Here’s what each pass gets you:
The passes
General Admission
With several open areas sprinkled throughout the Circuit's 3.4 miles, the General Admission experience at COTA gives you a variety of incredible sightlines and comfortable grassy hillsides. Bring your own blanket or chair and find your perfect spot on one of the many grassy knolls. These tickets also include admission to the Super Stage Festival Lawn for the P!nk concert on Saturday, November 2 and the Imagine Dragons concert on Friday, November 1.
Three Day Premium Grandstands
Courtesy of Circuit of the Americas™
Experience Formula 1 from the best seats in the house with Premium Seating. Witness all the action from the Main Grandstand, be a part of the legendary Turn 1 or soak up the most exciting moments of the United States Grand Prix at Turn 15. The grandstands offer comfortable permanent chairs, spectacular views, and easy access to concessions, merchandise and parking. These tickets also include general admission to the Super Stage Festival Lawn for the Imagine Dragons concert on 1 November and the P!nk show on 2 November.
Three Day Bleachers
Take in a top-down view of the thrill and pageantry of Formula 1 at the bleachers. These elevated seats are located close to the race track at some of COTA’s most thrilling corners. Featuring close proximity to food, drinks and merchandise, bleacher seating combines exhilaration and convenience – all at an unbeatable price. These tickets also include general admission to the Super Stage Festival Lawn for the Imagine Dragons concert on 1 November and the P!nk show on 2 November.
VIP Hospitality
Courtesy of Circuit of the Americas™
The world's most glamorous sport in a setting to match. Circuit of The Americas offers a variety of VIP Hospitality options so you and your guests can enjoy the best food, the best drink, the best suites, and the best experience all weekend long. A must-buy for the proper petrol heads out there.
Already got plans this November? Don’t fret. Even if you can’t make it down for this specific race weekend there’s still a stacked slate of upcoming events to look out for at COTA in 2019 and 2020. The ARX Americas Rallycross, the 2020 INDYCAR Classic and MotoGP’s annual “Horsepower Rodeo” are all set to take place at Circuit of The Americas in the upcoming months, ensuring any trip to Austin is an unforgettable one.
The future is looking bright for Austin. But – as we all know – there’s no time like the present to make a visit, and you really should be there the flesh to see the race of the season. All you’ve got to do is book your tickets today and see just how big things can get in Texas. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines…
Interested in jetting off to Austin for this year's US Grand Prix? Get your tickets atcircuitoftheamericas.com/f1/tickets
Follow COTA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up-to-date with the upcoming race schedule. For more information on what to do and see in Austin visit Visitaustin.org.