Here’s a run-down of events, activities, entertainment and practical information to help make your 2014 FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX the experience of a lifetime.
COTA Fan Zone – Earn Points, Get Cool Stuff
Join the COTA Fan Zone to win cool, unique rewards by completing fun activities, taking polls, getting specific pictures and answering trivia questions correctly during USGP weekend.
The Fan Zone also has searchable maps and schedules, as well as other useful information to help you navigate all the activity at Circuit of The Americas and at COTA’s Fan Fest in downtown Austin.
Sign Up Now to Start Earning Points
Parking and Shuttle Options
On-Site Parking
On-site parking is a great convenience, offering reduced commute and wait times to and from the Circuit, as well as the flexibility of having your vehicle nearby.
Our recommendations:
- Turn 12 – Turn 15 seats and general admission in this area: Lot F
- Turn 3 – Turn 11 seats and general admission in these areas: Lot L
- Main Grandstands, Turn 1 seats and general admission at Turn 1: Lot T
All recommendations subject to availability and limited quantities are available.
Off-Site Parking
A pre-purchase Park-n-Ride lot is located off FM 973 with $20 three-day or $15 two-day options. Lot Q provides parking and a shuttle with three-day passes available for $60. No single-day parking options are offered in Lot Q.
Off-Site Shuttles
The Downtown Shuttle is a great option for guests staying in downtown Austin. The shuttle will run between the Austin Convention Center at the corner of 4th and Trinity and Circuit of The Americas. Shuttles out to COTA will run 7:00 am to 1:30 pm and return shuttles from COTA to downtown will run until 7:30 pm.
There will be the standard Downtown Shuttle for $10 round-trip per person and a Premium Downtown Shuttle for $25 round-trip per person, which will drop guests off close to COTA’s Grand Plaza on COTA Boulevard.
Events and Race Schedule
Keep up with the interactive schedule of events this weekend that is constantly updated. The schedule allows you to easily sync events to your calendar so you don’t miss any of the entertainment you’re interested in seeing!
Speed City Broadcast of the USGP
Tune into 105.3 FM for local F1 coverage on Saturday and Sunday with play-by-play announcing by F1 veteran broadcaster Bob Varsha.
Saturday, November 1
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. F1 Third Practice Session coverage
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Opening ceremonies coverage
- 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. F1 Qualifying Session coverage
Sunday, November 2
- 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Pre-race Show
- 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX
- 4 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Post-race Show
Autograph Sessions with Your Team’s Drivers
Get up close to your favorite drivers at the USGP!
Autograph sessions are planned throughout the weekend at the Austin360 Amphitheater. It’s your chance to make your F1 USGP merchandise true collector’s items. The schedule is subject to change, so please check the website for daily updates.
Team-specific wristbands will be distributed on the day of that team’s signing at the autograph wristband booth located at the left entrance to Austin360 Amphitheater. Wristbands will be handed out immediately upon gates opening and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the teams’ busy schedules, a wristband does not guarantee an autograph, so we encourage you to line up early. If you are unable to receive a wristband, you are still welcome to join us in Austin360 Amphitheater to see the drivers and participate in a Q&A as time allows.
Friday
- 12:30 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Sauber F1 Team
Saturday
- 2:40 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Infiniti Red Bull Racing
- 4:35 p.m. – 4:55 p.m. Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team
- 4:55 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. McLaren Mercedes
- 5:20 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. Scuderia Ferrari
- 5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Scuderia Toro Rosso
- 5:40 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Williams Martini Racing
Sunday
- 10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. Lotus F1 Team
- 10:40 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Sahara Force India
Post-U.S. Grand Prix Fan Track Invasion
Thanks to the generosity of FOM wanting to allow fans access to the track despite a tight turnaround of back-to-back Formula One race weekends, we’re thrilled to announce the Fan Track Invasion will happen again this year immediately following the USGP! Due to the need to begin removing equipment directly after the USGP, access to the track for invasion will be limited to the east side of the Main Grandstands, entry to the track will end at 4:30 p.m. and all fans must be off the track by 5 p.m. We will begin to allow guests onto the track once we receive the all clear from FOM.
Entertainment at COTA Off the Track
While on-site this weekend, don’t miss your chance to take part in the fun activities off the track.
Whiplash the Cowboy Monkey
Whiplash is the Cowboy monkey who herds sheep! He rides in front of fans in a contained setting, twice per day, for 6 to 8 minute performances in the Grand Plaza.
Saturday at 2 p.m. and at 4:45 p.m.
Sunday at 10 a.m. and at 12 p.m.
Beer Burros
Stop by the adorable donkeys fitted with pouches to hold guest’s drinks and pose for photos.
Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Free Activities for Kids
Come to the Grand Plaza for face painting, a caricature artist and a balloon twister!
Longhorns
Get your photo taken with Longhorns located in the Grand Plaza and at Turn 6.
Three themed Bars:
- La Cantina at Turn 4 – Quench your thirst in the midst of a colorful fiesta with Old Mexico charm! The cantina is complete with a dizzying array of tequilas and beers.
- Beirgarten at Turn 6 – Taste the best craft beers in the West at the festive Biergarten. Lederhosen optional.
- Texas Ranch and Sports Bar in the Grand Plaza – Come kick up your boots while sipping a cold beer or a whiskey at the Texas Ranch. Test your rodeo skills and take a ride on the mechanical bull or just relax and enjoy the southern hospitality.
Stay tuned to the schedule and our interactive map to find the events and activities that you won’t want to miss!
See Kid Rock and Live at the Austin360 Amphitheater
Enjoy great live music in the award-winning Austin360 Amphitheater. Located in the heart of the track, this outdoor amphitheater was voted the best new concert venue in the world and was recently named one of the top 10 music venues in the United States. The Austin360 Amphitheater will be a premium spot to see Live perform on Saturday and Kid Rock perform his hits “All Summer Long,” “Bawitdaba,” “American Bad-Ass” and – of course – “Cowboy.”
- Live: Saturday at 12 p.m.
- Kid Rock: Sunday immediately following the USGP
Please note that seating is first-come, first-served.
Support Races
Mobil 1 Porsche Supercup
Twenty-three up-and-coming drivers, including two Americans, are set to square off during the U.S. round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup. This race is the only Grand Touring series that supports Formula One and includes races on many iconic circuits, such as Monaco, Monza, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. Austin will be the final round of the nine-race season!
Ferrari Challenge
For the third straight year, the Ferrari Challenge North America will be part of the on-track action in support of the USGP. The Austin race will feature exciting and close racing from a field of more than 30 Ferrari 458 Challenge EVOs driven by track nvices and those with competition experience. All drivers are “Gentlemen Drivers,” or amateur racers who are also Ferrari customers.
COTA’s Fan Fest in Downtown Austin
COTA’s Fan Fest is a FREE celebration of motorsports and music in downtown Austin, October 31 – November 2. You’re invited to join us after you leave COTA each evening to see performances by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, De La Soul, Texas Tornados, DeVotchKa, Black Joe Lewis, and many more! Come for the music, stay to enjoy countless entertaining activities for the whole family and refreshments from local restaurants, pubs, food trucks and artisans.
Things to Note for Safety Purposes
To see a full list of prohibited items, click here.
We encourage anyone wishing to celebrate Halloween to come in costume! Please note that any props or costume items that resemble weapons, or could be considered weapons, may be confiscated upon entry.
