Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a new world-class motorsports and entertainment venue in Texas, slated to host dozens of high-profile motorsports, entertainment and business events each year. The Circuit is located nine miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and less than 15 miles from downtown Austin.
Hosted events are projected to generate an annual economic impact of $400 million to $500 million, equating to $4 billion to $5 billion over 10 years for Texas. The venue draws hundreds of thousands of fans from all over the world.
At this moment, the Circuit is the only FIA-certified Grade 1 track in the United States, and one of only 26 Grade 1-certified motorsports facilities in the world.
The Circuit of The Americas™ track is a 3.4-mile circuit track with capacity for 120,000 fans and an elevation change of 133 feet. It is ideally situated on a 1000-acre site in southeast Austin.
The 20-turn, counterclockwise track, construction of which began in January 2011, draws inspiration from the best circuits around the world, as well as taking advantage of the site’s natural topography to include dramatic elevation changes of up to 40 metres.
There is a steep, uphill run into the hairpin Turn 1, which has become the venue’s signature corner. Turns 3 through 6 look not dissimilar to Silverstone’s high-speed Maggotts/Becketts; Turns 12 through 15 give a nod to Hockenheim’s stadium section; and Turns 16 through 18 will mirror the famous, multi-apex Turn 8 at Istanbul Park.
Circuit of The Americas™ is a world-class performance, education and business center that features:
Racing-focused amenities including a private Motorsports Driving Club and a Karting Track
Public spaces for private events, seminars and conventions
Visitor attractions that include an expansive live entertainment space, retail center and museum
A center with research facilities and robust services and amenities to power a broad range of business, technology and education allies
40,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art Conference/Media Center
5,500 sq. ft. medical center, offering paramedic services and EMS & medical student training
Area for law enforcement vehicle training
Fire and rescue training areas
Driving academies
Educational programs
Fact: Construction of the 375-acre Circuit of The Americas™ project cost approximately $400 million in private investment and created approximately 1,700 construction jobs. Sixteen Texas-based companies were contracted to work on the project with participation by minority- and women-owned businesses totaling an estimated $50 million.
Fact: Approximately 300 full-time equivalent jobs were created by Circuit of The Americas™. On major event days, more than 3,000 seasonal/event-specific employees will be hired. In total, Circuit of The Americas™ is expected to create more than 6,000 jobs.
Fact: Circuit of The Americas™ is paying $13 Million to install water and waste water lines in the “desired development zone” on an accelerated schedule. The City of Austin has stated its desire to own the lines — so as with every commercial or residential development — will reimburse Circuit of The Americas™ following the installation.
Fact: Approximately 800,000 to 1.2 million people attend events at Circuit of The Americas™ annually now that the venue is fully operational with an average out-of-state visitor spending $1500 per day (average stay of 4.6 days).
Fact: A Formula 1™ season is viewed by an estimated 520 million people in 187 countries. Each race is broadcast to more than 30 million viewers. The three hours of coverage is equivalent to more than $200 million in commercial advertising.
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