ACCESSIBILITY AT FORMULA 1
Please utilize the below information to plan and prepare for an excellent Formula 1 Pirelli United States Grand Prix experience. Providing a world-class experience to all is paramount to Circuit of The Americas. We recognize the diverse needs of thousands of our guests and are here to support the experience, by providing a range of accommodations not only to provide comfortable access, but to ensure all our guests create wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Circuit of The Americas is an accessible, but large, venue. Guests should be prepared for long distances and anticipate using our transportation network for additional mobility support. We encourage all guests to dress for success: we suggest comfortable shoes, clothing, hat, and whatever supportive devices you may need.
For guests who find the distances challenging, we have numerous seats and picnic tables located around the circuit to take a break. They can be accessed easily by those persons using walking aids such as crutches, sticks or walkers. This event will be particularly busy, and guests may want to bring fold-up chairs or alternatives to mobility just in case. Please note: Personal chairs will not be permitted in the reserved seating areas.
If you have any questions or requests throughout your planning process that these pages cannot answer, please contact a guest service representative.
CONTACTS
For questions before the event weekend, the COTA Guest Services team overseeing ADA operations can be contacted at [email protected] or by phone at 512-655-6300, extension 0.
For assistance during the event weekend, please alert a nearby staff member, visit a Guest Services tent, or text “COTA” to 69050 followed by the message.
TICKETING
Circuit of The Americas follows ADA guidelines regarding the sale of accessible seating. Patrons who require special seating accommodations using ramps to access ADA platform seating must request them at the time of purchase. ADA platform tickets are able to be purchased online on Ticketmaster’s website or at the COTA box offices. Pre-purchase is suggested. We have various accessible options for ticketing: ADA platform, reserved grandstand, General Admission (GA). Feel free to give a service representative a call to find the best ticketing solution at 512-301-6600, ext. 0.
Online: Request tickets by clicking on the Request Accessible Tickets button in the top-right corner of the “Search for Tickets” box.
FACILITIES
The site is spread over 1,200 acres, some of which are fields and grassed areas. There are some hard-standing and tarmac areas together with stone paths and the site can be quite difficult to maneuver. The weather can have a massive impact on ease of mobility around the site. Please take weather into consideration when deciding on what equipment to bring.
GENERAL ADMISSION VIEWING AREAS
There are various hills and berms available for General Admission (GA) viewing for all GA guests. Most locations have access to our jumbotrons, paved paths to place wheeled devices or chairs, and/or have high levels of reverberation. We suggest checking out some of the locations below based on their qualities.
“Big Red” Turn 1 Hill: Excellent viewing for Opening Ceremonies and Turn 1 apex. This turn has wonderful views of the full circuit. If you choose this location, get there early! It is a highly desired area for race fans.
- There are no paved areas at this viewing spot.
- While this space is loud, it does not have the same reverberation as some of the other General Admission areas; it may be ideal for those with noise sensitivity.
The “Esses”: Stellar views of the famous, snake-like “esses”. This viewing stretches from Turn 3 Pedestrian Bridge Turn 6. This location is a dedicated ADA viewing area designed to accommodate ADA patrons and one companion.
- There is quite a bit of paved path at the top of the berm at Turns 3-4 for wheeled devices and chairs with occasional picnic tables.
- There are several jumbotrons and excellent reverberation from the vehicles on track!
Turn 11: This turn is a primo spot to watch drivers take on our hairpin turn at the opposite end of the track. Turn 11 has clear viewing of the action and jumbotron with incredible engine reverb. This area is trickier to traverse, but well worth the view.
GRANDSTANDS
All COTA’s grandstands have various accessibility features. For reserved seating purchases, visit the Ticketing section for purchasing information.
Main Grandstand: This reserved seating grandstand has stair, ramp, and elevator access; standard-sized individual seats with backs; and wheeled device reserved spaces, tickets for which are available by requesting “Accessible Tickets”. This grandstand has a great view of the starting grid, has some shade, and excessive reverberation not to be underestimated.
- Directions: Take the shuttle to Main Grandstand stop and enter at Main Grandstand gates.
Turn 9 Bleacher Grandstand: This reserved bleacher grandstand has stair and ramp access; assigned bleacher seats; and wheeled device reserved spaces on the ADA platform, tickets for which are available by requesting “Accessible Tickets”. This grandstand has a great view of the back side’s track action, Super Stage, direct jumbotrons, and has minimal reverberation.
- Directions: Take the shuttle to Gate 9 stop and enter Gate 9 for wheeled device ease. Gate 9 will only be open for ADA guests and one companion. The grandstand is also accessible via Gate 6 and 11.
Turn 12 Bleacher Grandstand: This reserved bleacher grandstand has stair and ramp access; assigned bleacher seats; and wheeled device reserved spaces on the ADA platform, tickets for which are available by requesting “Accessible Tickets”. This grandstand has a great view of Turns 12-15, direct jumbotrons, has minimal reverberation, and has quick access to Super Stage load-in and Grand Plaza activities.
- Directions: Take the shuttle to the Grand Plaza stop and enter at Grand Plaza.
Turn 15 Grandstand: This reserved seating grandstand has stair and ramp access; standard-sized individual seats with backs; and wheeled device reserved spaces on the ADA platform, tickets for which are available by requesting “Accessible Tickets”. This grandstand has a great view of Turns 12-15, direct jumbotrons, has excellent reverberation (especially nearer to the track), and has quick access to Super Stage load-in and Grand Plaza activities.
- Directions: Take the shuttle to the Grand Plaza stop and enter at Grand Plaza.
ELEVATORS
Circuit of The Americas has elevators and ramps throughout the facility to permit easy access throughout the venue. Elevators are located in the following locations:
- West end of the Main Grandstand
- Red Pedestrian Bridge at Turn 3
- Blue Pedestrian Bridge at Turn 16 near Lonestar Land
- Premium Hospitality Club
- COTA Tower Observation Deck
RESTROOMS
Permanent restroom facilities with accessible restrooms are available at the following locations:
- Grand Plaza (Behind Grandstand 15 and in the amphitheater bowl)
- Main Grandstand
- Turn 1
Family restrooms are equipped with changing tables and electrical outlets. Available at the following locations:
- Behind the Turn 15 Grandstand in the Grand Plaza
- Main Grandstand (First and Second levels)
During events, there are also ADA-accessible port-a-potties throughout the facility. Event maps and Guest Services tents can direct you to the nearest accessible permanent or temporary restrooms.
SERVICES
FIRST AID & MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Qualified staff and facilities are available throughout the facility for First Aid assistance. If you need First Aid assistance, visit the nearest First Aid location. For Emergency services, notify the nearest staff member, visit the nearest First Aid location, or text COTA to 69050 with your location and situation.
- Event maps and Guest Services locations can be located nearby First Aid locations.
INTERPRETATION SERVICES
Circuit of The Americas will provide interpretation services for both Super Stage performances on House left (on the left, if you are looking at the stage).
LOST & FOUND
Found items are collected at Guest Services locations or at hospitality concierge desks. If you have lost an item, check with one of these locations. Team members at these locations can also reach out to other Guest Services tents in a concerted effort to reunite you with your belongings.
At the end of each day, items are consolidated and can be picked up at Grand Plaza Guest Services. After the event, please submit a claim to see if your lost item has been located.
SECURITY
All bags, purses, backpacks and persons are subject to screening by security personnel. Guests entering the venue should prepare accordingly. Guests should be aware that there are no provisions for returning banned items to them when such items are left at the venue entrances. Individuals who deliberately attempt to bring banned items through security checkpoints are subject to removal from the facility.
This event will be particularly busy. Guests may want to bring collapsible chairs or alternatives to mobility just in case. Please note: Personal chairs will not be permitted in the grandstands.
Qualified mobility scooters are permitted on venue grounds; for information on possible charging stations or clarification of venue policy please call: 512-301-6600, ext. 0.
All security measures are subject to change without notice. Please view a comprehensive list of permitted and prohibited items here.
SENSORY ROOM
A Sensory Room is located at the Grand Plaza and is available upon request via the staff outside of the room. These rooms are equipped with various sensory-friendly items and activities. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian while in these rooms. Sensory inclusive bags containing noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, communication cards, and other helpful tools will be available at this location free of charge.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Documented and uniformed service animals are permitted and admitted into Circuit of The Americas. Only verified service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are allowed inside the event venue. Pets, therapy animals, and emotional support animals are not permitted. Each service animal must remain with its owner and be restrained. If any service animals interfere with other guests, corrective action may include seating rearrangements or removal of the service animal from the facility.
Service animals must have proper documentation, and COTA staff may ask for proof of documentation at any time.
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
Below are details to provide full venue mobility and ease for all. Qualified mobility scooters are permitted on venue grounds; for information or clarification of venue policy please call: 512-301-6600, ext. 0.
PARKING
Circuit of The Americas has ADA parking available for guests with disabilities who have a state-issued disabled license plate or placard. ADA parking must be requested at the time of purchase.
To order online, request tickets by clicking on the Request Accessible Tickets button in the top-right corner of the “Search for Tickets” box.
A valid, appropriate disabled placard or license plate is required to park in a space identified as reserved for persons with disabilities. The individual, whose name is registered with the ADA parking hang-tag or license, must be in the vehicle and identification is required.
Parking is not allowed in any access aisles. Management reserves the right to take appropriate action regarding misrepresentation of parking privileges which may include ticketing and towing cars at owner’s expense, reporting of misuse of handicapped plate/tag to Texas Motor Vehicle for possible revocation of parking privileges, and/or criminal charges.
ADA CART PARKING SUPPORT
Circuit of The Americas is happy to provide additional customer assistance, free of charge, from our non-ADA placard lots. Courtesy carts are available to help guests that may require extra assistance from their vehicle to the ADA accessible shuttle system or nearest entry gate. Carts are not permitted inside venue gates. There are ADA cart pickups at each shuttle stop location, marked by blue ADA flags and staff in blue vests. If guests need assistance, you can text COTA + your location and a description of what you are wearing to 69050 and a cart will be dispatched. All guests should be directed to the nearest pickup point outside of the gate or at the ADA viewing platform of the super stage.
ADA WRISTBANDS
We will be implementing a new credentialing procedure for guests with disabilities requesting ADA Accommodations this year. Guests will need to obtain an ADA wristband from any of the ADA shuttle stops around the circuit in order to utilize the ADA courtesy carts and access the ADA viewing platforms at Turns 3 and 19, as well as at the Super Stage.
ADA WRISTBAND POLICIES
- ADA wristbands are good for the entire weekend
- Lost or stolen wristbands will not be replaced
- One companion wristband will be issued for each guest with a disability (exceptions will be made for families with children under 18)
- If a guest wants to switch their companion, they must still have the original companion band to be replaced
ADA SHUTTLE STOPS
Suggested shuttle stops for each lot. These suggestions are based on where ADA carts will take you.
- Lot A: Main Grandstand
- Lot C: Grand Plaza
- Lot D: Grand Plaza
- Lot E: Lot H or Grand Plaza
- Lot F: Lot H or Grand Plaza
- Lot H: Lot H
- Lot K: Turn 11 or Lot H
- Lot N: Turn 6 or Turn 3
- Park ‘n Ride: Turn 11 (Park ‘n Ride shuttles drop off in Lot L)
- Lot R: Turn 11
- Lot T: Turn 1
To request ADA cart assistance, please alert a nearby staff member or text “COTA” to 69050 followed by the message.
TAXIS & OFF-SITE SHUTTLES
Taxis and rideshare partners will drop-off at the McAngus Lot, which is .75 miles from the Grand Plaza gates. The access points are connected by a paved path and accessible by walking or taking the small tram that runs uniquely between the sites. Wheeled device loading is available upon request.
INTERNAL SHUTTLE ROUTE
Circuit of The Americas has accessible shuttles and on-site transportation system. Select shuttles on each route can call for loading upon request. Transportation ambassadors are present at all stops to help answer questions or contact an ADA cart to take you to your parking spot.
SUPER STAGE ACCESSIBILITY
We are excited to invite all USGP guests to the Concert Lawn for Friday and Saturday musical performances at the Germania Insurance Super Stage. This is a large, grassy hill that has a clear view of the stage directly or through jumbotrons. The lawn is accessible from the crossover load-in points at the infield/The Ranch.
ADA guests can access the designated ADA viewing platforms for the concert via golf carts. Join the queue at our ADA Access Tent located in front of the Concert Floor Upgrade entry. Golf carts will be available at the ADA Access Tent to transport you and one companion to the ADA viewing platform. For deaf or hard-of-hearing guests, visit the ADA Access Tent for more information or check out the map for best routes to access the venue’s house left viewing area for ASL interpretation.
For guests using wheeled devices that cannot easily traverse grass, visit a Guest Services location for best routes to access the Super Stage concerts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Only guests with designated tickets will be permitted on the ADA platforms at Main Grandstand; Grandstands 9, 12, and 15; and specific general admission ADA platforms. If you do not have a ticket for the designated platform, you will be removed from the reserved area.
There is ADA parking in all of our on-site lots. To guarantee accessible parking, call 512-301-6600, ext. 0, to purchase parking before the weekend.
Speak to a nearby staff member or text the general help line by texting “COTA” to 69050 followed by your request. Let us know where you are trying to go and we will provide accessible route information from point A to point B. Shuttles on our shuttle routes are accessible, and they can transport guests to all of the main points around the circuit. Your route will likely be a combination of an ADA cart, shuttle, and walking.
COTA offers Designated Mother’s Rooms at the Grand Plaza, Main Grandstand, Turn 1 and Turn 3 near the First Aid stations. In addition, COTA has several family restrooms that are private and have electrical plug ins for pumping and privacy. Areas for breast feeding are where parent and child feel most comfortable.