Know Before You Go – 2017 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
Welcome to the 2017 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX! The biggest celebration of the year deserves an equally big blog post. Below you’ll find your map to an incredible weekend at Circuit of The Americas.
Download the COTA App
Get the most out of your USGP experience with the freshly updated COTA App. With the race schedule, GPS map, food options, entertainment locations, chances to win prizes, unique photo frames and more, it’s your easy reference guide to the USGP in the palm of your hand.
The COTA App will continue to be updated throughout this week. Update the app under settings on Friday to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Upgrade Your USGP Experience
Race Seating Upgrades
You can easily upgrade to a bleacher seat in the exciting, fast esses section of the track now online, or when you get to COTA at either box office or 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 Stevie Wonder’s Sunday evening 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 enlarge and view entire map. Please note it is a large file and may take time to load.
On-Site Parking – Driving Directions
Please note that any vehicle without a valid, purchased parking pass will be unable to access COTA Blvd during the course of the event. If you did not purchase a parking pass, please refer to the COTA Shuttle information below for transportation options.
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. We recommend downloading the Waze App and entering your specific parking lot destination for the best route from your starting point. Example: “Lot F – COTA”
Parking Lots A, B, C, D and T (Red Route):
Traveling SH130, or SH183, take FM812 Exit (Exit 453) and travel east to Circuit of The Americas Boulevard (South Entrance). For Lot T, continue of FM812 past COTA Blvd until Lot T entrance.
Parking Lots E, F, and H (Purple Route):
Traveling SH130 or FM973, take Pearce Lane Exit (Exit 450) and travel east to Kellam Road. Turn right on Kellam Road and travel south to COTA Blvd (North Entrance). Via SH71, turn right on Kellam Road and travel south to COTA Blvd.
Parking Lots L, M, N (Pink Route):
Traveling SH130 or FM973, take Pearce Lane Exit (Exit 450) and travel east to Kellam Road. Turn right on Kellam Road and travel south to Elroy Road. Lots L/M will be past the bend on your right. Lot N will be past Lots L/M on your right.
Shuttles/Transportation to COTA from Austin
Shuttle Hours of Operation:
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Downtown Shuttles Only
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 11:59 p.m.
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Downtown to Front Gate Shuttle (Red Shuttle)
- Running Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Picks up at the Austin Convention Center (4th and Trinity)
- Extremely limited
- Drops off adjacent to the Grand Plaza, your closest spot for drop off
- $50 round-trip per person per day
Downtown to McAngus Road Shuttle (Blue Shuttle)
- Running Friday, Saturday & Sunday
- Picks up at the Austin Convention Center (4th and Trinity)
- Drops off at COTA’s McAngus lot with a dedicated path to the Grand Plaza
- $15 round trip per person per day when purchased online
- Walk-ups will be $20 cash at the Convention Center
- The Downtown shuttle runs continuously throughout all three days of the F1 USGP
Travis County Expo Center to McAngus Road Shuttle (Green Shuttle)
- Running Saturday & Sunday
- Picks up at the Travis County Expo Center, 7311 Decker Ln, Austin TX 78724
- Drops off at same location in McAngus Lot as Downtown shuttle with a dedicated path to the Grand Plaza
- $15 round trip per person per day when purchased online
- Walk ups will be $20 cash at the Expo Center
- The Expo Center shuttle runs continuously on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd
- Parking at the Expo Center is free
Uber
Catch a safe ride to the USGP with Uber! Enter promo code RIDE2COTA for $20 off your first ride.
The Uber drop-off/pick-up lot is located on McAngus Road. (Yellow Lot)
Taxis/Ride Shares/Limos/Private Drop-Off & Pick-Up
All of these options should use the McAngus Road drop-off and pick-up area (Yellow Lot).
Event Schedule
Download the COTA App for iPhone or Android for the most up-to-date event schedule throughout the weekend, or view it online.
USGP Opening Ceremonies
Formal Grand Prix opening ceremonies will begin at 12:30 in the afternoon on Sunday, October 22.
F1 Driver Introductions
Cheer on your favorite drivers when they’re each given their moment in the spotlight, introduced by legendary announcer Michael Buffer.
F1 Driver’s 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 join the F1 drivers on the grid before the Grand Prix begins.
(Location: Main Straight)
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.
(Location: Main Straight)
National Anthem
The National Anthem will be performed by Retired Naval Petty Officer, Generald Wilson.
(Location: Main Straight)
Air Display
Look to the sky just before lights out.
Fan Track Invasion
Join the celebration on the track once the Grand Prix has concluded on Sunday and the winner is raising his trophy.
- Time: 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Access Points: Main Grandstand East, Main Grandstand West, Turn 1B (between Turn 1 and Turn 2), Turn 19
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 at the floor section of the Austin360 Amphitheater, directly in front of the stage. Please reference the online schedule, or the schedule within the app for the latest updates.
Fan Forum & F1 Chats
Join us at Austin360 Amphitheater on Saturday for a special Q&A with the F1 drivers and team personnel. Get the answers to your burning F1 questions.
- Fan Forum: Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about Formula 1 from the pros throughout the weekend at the Austin360 Amphitheater.
- Future of Formula 1 Talk: Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m.
- F1 Fitness Talk: Friday, 4:10 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Ross Brawn & Chase Carey Talk: Saturday, 3:10 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.
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 roaming entertainment, the Grand Plaza is a must-see area during the weekend. You will find many food options, sampling from Johnnie Walker, event merchandise and much, much more!
Support Paddock – Open to Public
For the first time, the Formula 4 and Masters Historic Racing Paddock is open to all guests! Get up close and personal with the stars of tomorrow and the cars of yesterday.
F1 Fanzone
Hop in the driver’s seat and see how you hold up against the pros with F1 2017™, try your hand at an F1 Pit Stop, and much more.
Family Fun Zone
There’s fun for the whole family while watching the on-track action or wandering around the Circuit. Bring the kiddos out for fake tattoos, face painting, remote control cars, nail art, and more.
Haas Hill
Enjoy the race with fellow fans excited to cheer on home-country heroes, Haas F1 Team! Haas Hill is situated between Turn 18 and Turn 19 with great views of the on-track action and a whole lot of red, white, and blue pride!
Topgolf CRUSH
Swing into action during the USGP by crushing golf balls from the top of iconic Turn 1 with Topgolf CRUSH. Book your tee time now, or head to the Turn 1 at your leisure without a reservation (Please note: ability to play without a reservation is subject to availability at the time of your arrival). Secure Tee Time
Throughout the weekend, enjoy special prizes at Topgolf CRUSH:
- Any Topgolf CRUSH player who scores 1000 points or higher will received one dozen Callaway Golf Balls
- The first 300 guests who purchase a Topgolf Crush VIP tee time wil receive a $100 Callaway Gift Card
- The best score of each day (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) will win a Callaway Epic Driver and tickets to the 2018 F1 USGP
American Soundtrack fueled by Exxon™ and Mobil™ Stations
Catch a band throughout the day Saturday and Sunday on one of the many stages around the Circuit at the Grand Plaza, Main Grandstand, Turn 3, Turn 7 and the Infield Party Zone.
COTA Karting
Don’t leave the speed to the pros this year. Our brand new karting track in Lot A will make its debut during the USGP for you to put the pedal to the metal. To partake, you must purchase track time for $30 in advance online starting Wednesday, October 18. No walk-up sales.
- Friday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – close
Photo Platforms
At Turn 6, Turn 11 and Turn 16 find unique photo ops from Fujifilm. Plus, if you download the COTA App and participate in the Photo Challenge, you’ll have a chance to win a Fujifilm SQ10 to document the rest of your USGP weekend at COTA!
Hope Gallery Art Exhibit
Take a trip through Tunnel 2 (under the track between Turn 11 and Turn 12) to see an incredible mural installation by Hope artists, a local non-profit that connects creatives with causes through projects and events driven by inspirational, positive and educational messaging. A few uplifting Hope art pieces will also be scattered throughout the Grand Plaza.
Infield Party Zone
Party in the infield near the Super Stage on Saturday and Sunday with carnival rides, a DJ spinning tunes, a rock climbing wall and bungee trampoline. Food trucks, including Pizza Hut, will be positioned around the infield with picnic tables to let you kick back while watching the on-track action from inside the track. You can also enjoy samples from our friends at Coca-Cola and Topo Chico, or have fun in the Exxon Mobil Interactive Zone.
Cars 3 – Ka-chow!
Snap a selfie with Lightning McQueen, Jackson Storm, Cruz Ramirez and Miss Fritter of Pixar’s and take home some Cars 3 swag including window clings, downloads and mini posters. Located in the Grand Plaza.
Tesla
Tesla is bringing their first-ever mobile gallery to the USGP. Pulled by Telsa Model X SUV, this custom Airstream trailer is retrofitted to showcase all interior and exterior vehicle options. Explore the mobile gallery and experience the groundbreaking features of Model X and Model S near the COTA Club this weekend.
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.
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.
Troops on Track Military Outpost
COTA salutes our armed forces with a shady tent near Turn 18 for our military members and their guests. If you are a member of the military, present your Military ID to the attendants at the tent. You and your party will be able to enter and enjoy the shade and private bar within.
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, or upgrade your ticket to skip the line an enjoy a champagne toast at the top.
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.
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.
The American Soundtrack fueled by Exxon™ and Mobil™ Stations
Justin Timberlake & Stevie Wonder Concert Info
Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder will take to the COTA Super Stage in the Circuit’s infield between Turn 11 and Turn 12 for all F1 USGP guests to enjoy.
- Saturday, October 21: Justin Timberlake
- Sunday, October 22: Stevie Wonder
On Saturday, The Shadowboxers start the show at 6:30PM, followed by Justin Timberlake.
After the Grand Prix on Sunday, Stevie Wonder is set to hit the stage at 6:00PM.
*Note all times are subject to change
Music Upgrades
If you have yet to purchase a music upgrade to be as close as possible to the stage, there are only a few remaining for Stevie Wonder’s concert. Buy your music upgrade online now to enjoy Stevie Wonder’s 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 when you get to COTA.
How to Get to the Super Stage
Gates to the Circuit open at 8:00 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. The gates to the Super Stage are tentatively slated to open at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, however these times are subject to change due to the logistics of quickly converting a Formula 1 track to a concert venue.
General Admission – All USGP guests without a concert upgrade will enter the Super Stage area from the Infield Entertainment Zone area, Turn 9, Turn 11 (see pink arrows on the map above).
Music Upgrade – Standing Room Only and Bleacher Upgrades will enter the track near Tunnel 2 (see yellow arrows on the map above). If you have a concert upgrade and are coming from 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.
ADA Assistance – If you require ADA assistance, get dropped off via shuttle between Lot H and Lot J, and enter the Super Stage area (see the ADA logo to the right of the stage).
Shuttles to the Super Stage – Shuttles will run on a continuous loop around the Circuit to take guests to the Super Stage area from around the track. See the three routes listed above, with stops marked with yellow dots. Hop on a shuttle and get dropped off at one of the entry points to the Super Stage (Tunnel 2, Turn 9 or Turn 11).
ADA Shuttle Info – All shuttles running around the Circuit are ADA accessible. Take one of the shuttles from your location to the Super Stage.
Event Safety Information
Our guests’ safety is of the utmost importance. Please adhere to safety guidelines and leave all prohibited items at home. Visit our online FAQ to get full details.
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.
ADA Assistance
All shuttles running on COTA’s property are ADA accessible. If you have any ADA-related questions, or require assistance while on site, please visit one of the orange Guest Services tents at the Main Grandstand, Turn 1, Turn 3, Turn 9, Infield Party Zone and Grand Plaza.
Below are all the internal shuttle routes that are ADA accessible, as well as General Admission areas designated for ADA viewing.
See You Soon!
We look forward to sharing the biggest party of the year with you, and welcome you to share your experience with us on social media throughout the weekend with #COTA.
