The 2023 Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas – the only MotoGP Grand Prix in North America – is a must-do and the perfect excuse to get out of the house. Here’s all the info to ensure you don’t have FOMO.
Friday, April 14:
Events start at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 14, and practice runs are just as important as the main event. When you arrive, grab some merch to rep your favorite rider or check out the autographed collectibles located in booths throughout the Grand Plaza. Discover a new way to class at the Yamaha Motors, CFMOTO, and Aprilia demo rides in the Support Paddock.
Next, watch riders from Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP warm up their engines and test out the track all day. In between practices, grab a sandwich from I Panini (it will change your life) and explore the COTA grounds. Check out COTA Karting and imagine yourself as part of the competition on the track just behind you.
After the last practice at 4 p.m., fuel up for Saturday’s fun. Grab a light bite at Novas Tex-Mex Fusion BBQ truck at the Exxon right outside of the COTA grounds. The barbacoa tacos are to die for.
Saturday, April 15:
On the way back to the track Saturday morning, pick up a tall cappuccino at Progress Coffee located by the reflection pond. The qualifying events start bright and early at 8:40 a.m.
Today is the day to pay close attention to the riders’ positions and performances. The qualifying rounds will dictate the starting grid for the big race on Sunday. The first qualifying round for MotoGP starts at 10:50 a.m. and the last qualifying round for Moto2 finishes at 2:25 p.m. At 3 p.m. a new Sprint Race for MotoGP riders will take place with intense, high-octane battles from start to finish.
In between different qualifying rounds, catch Aaron Colton revving up for Red Bull performing street freestyle demonstrations or hop on the glass floor of the 251-foot-tall Observation Deck. Grab a turkey leg from Fan Field or a corn dog at the T15 Grandstand on the way over to the Rider Q&A, happening on the Main Stage at 4:30 p.m.
There will be plenty of time to meet up with friends at Revival’s Hand Built Motorcycle show after a full day on campus. Regardless of your plan, save some energy for the main event on Sunday.
Sunday, April 16:
Hit the track early Sunday morning to catch the Rider Fan Parade starting at 10 a.m. sharp.
All tickets have reserved seating and access around the whole track so take some time to explore and find your perfect view. Then, at 2 p.m., watch the drivers lean so far that they touch the ground around COTA’s 20 turns as they battle it out for the championship. Keep an eye on MotoGP stars like Jack Miller, Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Brad Binder as they close in on the crown.
After the final race is over, head to the Main Grandstand – you don’t want to miss the Fan Track Walk. This is your chance to catch a glimpse of the riders up close, watch the winners be crowned, or even place a foot on the racetrack finish line. Before you leave, hit up the perfectly paired Dippin Dots & Daiquiris tent for a sweet end to the weekend.
From the sounds of the engine revving to the adrenaline of the race itself, MotoGP is an event you need to check off your bucket list before you graduate. Gear up and get ready to watch the ride of a lifetime.
