FAN ZONES

Every year, the United States Grand Prix offers a very rich and entertaining supporting programme.

The United States Grand Prix in Austin is not only about F1 racing but also about entertainment in the form of concerts. The atmosphere at the COTA circuit during the Formula 1 weekend is electric. Fans from all over the world flock here to see the pinnacle of motorsport and cheer on their favourite drivers and teams. 

The Grand Plaza can be described as the main fan zone, with countless food and drink stalls, merchandise stands and entertainment options.

The food and drink at the Circuit of the Americas is varied and decent, but the prices are very high. You can expect to pay between $8 and $10 for a beer and between $15 and $25 for a meal. Food ranges from standard American fare (hot dogs, hamburgers, etc.) to pizza, Mexican cuisine and some of the more interesting food trucks. 

There are plenty of restrooms around the track. Permanent facilities are located near several grandstands (Main, Turn 1 and Turn 15) and inside the Austin360 Amphitheatre. All other facilities are temporary.

Free water refill stations are available at the following locations around the COTA circuit Turn 1 (near the toilets), Turn 4-5, Main Grandstand, and Grand Plaza (near the toilets).

Don´t miss concerts

A big attraction for fans are the concerts of big music stars that traditionally accompany the United States Grand Prix programme. 

Concerts take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free for F1 ticket holders. However, you can pay extra for better seats. 

The Killers, Queen and Adam Lambert performed at the 2023 U.S. Grand Prix. Concerts are held at the Germania Insurance Superstage (near Turn 11). On Sunday after the race, well-known DJ Tiësto performed at the Germania Insurance amphitheatre in the Fanzone near the Grand Plaza and Turns 18-19.

Observation tower 

The observation tower at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) is one of the iconic architectural features of the complex. Here is some information about the COTA observation tower:

The COTA observation tower, designed by the renowned firm Miró Rivera Architects, is a remarkable structure approximately 77 metres high. Its unique design features a spiral staircase that winds around the outer shell and leads to the observation deck at the top.

The observation tower offers panoramic views of the entire Circuit of the Americas complex and the surrounding landscape of Austin, Texas. Visitors can enjoy expansive views of the track, grandstands, and the Texas Hill Country beyond.

The observation tower is open during COTA races for visitors to climb to the top and enjoy the view. A spiral staircase provides visitors with an immersive experience as they climb to the observation deck, offering unobstructed views in all directions. Be warned, there is a fee to enter (around $35 in 2023).