Helpful information when visiting the Circuit of The Americas for the United States Grand Prix

Buckle up for a thrilling Texas-fuelled weekend at the Circuit of The Americas! Prepare for your exciting trip to Austin and the United States Grand Prix with these helpful tips and circuit information.

What makes the Circuit of The Americas so special?

The Circuit of The Americas is a purpose-built state-of-the-art motorsports complex, featuring some of the most passionate fans in the sport. There are significant changes in elevation throughout the 5.513km circuit, and if the corners at COTA seem familiar, they should be.

Turns 3 through 6 look not dissimilar to Silverstone's high-speed run through Maggotts/Becketts or the S Curves at Suzuka, while Turns 12 through 15 mimic Hockenheim's stadium section. Meanwhile, the uphill run into the wide Turn 1 has provided some fine overtaking action.

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The vibrant fan atmosphere is one of the most exciting on the Formula 1 calendar. Passionate fans travel huge distances to attend the race weekend, bringing with them party vibes and loud support for the whole grid.

Keep reading for some useful information and friendly advice to help you make the most of your visit.

Helpful tips and advice

Leave your cash at home!

COTA is a cashless venue. Visa, Discover and Mastercard are accepted.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes

You’ll likely be walking a lot around the circuit to reach the grandstands, food stalls, and the many exciting off-track entertainment options, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential. The circuit itself is 5.513km long, so if you want to be a part of the track invasion come the end of the Grand Prix weekend, comfy shoes are a must!

Prepare for the heat

Even though this race takes place at the end of October, temperatures can still soar to almost 30 degrees Celsius, so you'll need to be prepared for the heat. Make sure to bring:

• An empty reusable water bottle to refill at the water stations
• Sunscreen to protect your skin
• A cap or hat for shade

Download the App

The official COTA mobile app makes getting around much easier during the race weekend. It provides fans with up-to-date information on scheduling, concerts, and everything else Grand Prix-related that you’d need to know during your time at the circuit!

Pre-prepare!

Before you head to the circuit, have any information that you need saved on your phone, such as tickets and maps. With an event of this size, it's always a good idea to set a meeting point with friends and family too, in case you get separated.

Bin your rubbish

You'll find plenty of clearly marked bins for separating general waste from recyclables, so you don't have to carry your trash around all day!

Circuit opening hours

• Friday: 08:30 (Parking opens at 08:00)
• Saturday: 08:30 (Parking opens at 08:00)
• Sunday: 08:00 (Parking opens at 07:30)

Opening hours are local time and are subject to change. Check out the dedicated area of the United States Grand Prix website for the latest updates.

More information about specific session timings can be found on our full weekend track schedule, including details of all practice and qualifying sessions, support races, and other special events – plus, of course, that crucial United States Grand Prix start time.

Circuit entrances

The circuit has six entrances. Make sure to enter through the gates closest to your grandstand to avoid having to trek around the track to find your seats!

More information about travelling to and from the circuit can be found on our dedicated United States Grand Prix travel page.

Tickets

All tickets (with the exception of parking and 3-day general admission wristbands) are mobile at Circuit of The Americas.

Re-entry to the circuit is permitted for motorsport events at COTA, but if you do leave and plan on returning later that day, please make sure to scan your tickets at the gates prior to exiting. Guests will be subject to another screening by security personnel upon re-entering.

Please ensure you have the correct ticket for the specific day, as tickets are non-transferrable for each day of the event.

Forbidden items

Bag Policy: Bags larger than 12x12x20 inches are not permitted.

Bag checks will be conducted at all entrances, and we advise packing lightly for a faster clearance through security. For everyone's safety, the following items are amongst those not permitted within the circuit, including:

• Weapons, including guns, knives, pepper spray, handcuffs, and nightsticks
• Explosives, including fireworks, flares, or other incendiary devices
• Drones
• Animals or pets (exception of service dogs)
• Food and beverages including alcoholic beverages
• Unauthorized transportation, including bicycles, scooters, skateboards, Segways, golf carts, skates, and hoverboards
• Illegal substances, including illegal drugs and marijuana
• Bags larger than 12″ X 12″ X 20″
• Coolers, thermoses, or ice chests
• Metal water bottles
• Glass containers
• E-liquid or vape juice
• Safety hazards or annoyances, including balls, Frisbees, balloons, projectiles, horns, radios, bells, whistles, musical instruments, and laser pointers
• Non-collapsible chairs
• Tents or canopies
• Unauthorized promotional or commercial material, including merchandise
• Signs or posters larger than 11″ X 17″ or attached to a pole
• Signs and posters may not contain obscene or offensive language or images
• Inappropriate or overly revealing attire
• Items used to block views or interfere with guests’ experience

What can you take with you?

• Baby strollers
• Binoculars
• Blankets
• Camelback's (must be empty)
• Ear plugs or ear protectors (especially for children)
• Factory-sealed water bottle of up to 600ml (approx. 20oz) per person
• Personal photography equipment (e.g. digital cameras, detachable lenses, point-and-shoot digital cameras)
• Portable folding chairs
• Sunscreen (plastic bottle only, no aerosol cans)
• Umbrellas (small, handheld)

If you are found with a prohibited item, it will be confiscated and disposed of, and in some cases, you will be banned from entering. Refusal to be searched upon entry may result in not being admitted into the circuit, without a refund.

More information and the full list of prohibited items is available to view on the United States Grand Prix website.

In and around the circuit

Fans can download the COTA App to help with wayfinding around the Circuit of The Americas. Additionally, there are wayfinding signs at various points throughout the circuit.

Food and drink inside the circuit

Whilst bringing food and beverages from outside the circuit is prohibited, there are a large variety of food and drink options available around COTA. From national brands to local food trucks, options range from Italian, BBQ, Tex-Mex, Turkish, Thai, and plenty more!

Additionally, there are free water refill stations around the circuit to keep you hydrated throughout the weekend.

The COTA App is a useful port of call for information regarding the locations of food and beverage stalls across the circuit.

Children

Children aged three years of age and under can get a free general admission ticket when accompanied by a ticketed adult. This is not reserved seating, so if the child requires a specific seat, the guardian must purchase a ticket.

Children four years of age and older will require a ticket regardless of general admission or reserved seating.

Baby changing facilities are located in the public restrooms located in the Main Grandstand and Grand Plaza.

Check out the venue policies on United States Grand Prix website for more information.

Accessibility

COTA offers accessible parking, shuttles, ramps within the circuit, and wheelchair rentals with mobility assistance over the race weekend.

There is accessible seating available in Main Grandstand, as well as at Turns 9, 12 and 15.

Any accessible services such as wheelchair rentals and access to sensory rooms can be requested at the Guest Services desk near the main entrance to the circuit, and there are carts available for guests who need assistance on-site.

More information can be found on the United States Grand Prix website.

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