Circuit of the Americas, known as COTA, is a motorsports complex in Austin, Texas that opened on October 21, 2012 as the first purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed to FIA Grade 1 standards. Since its debut, it has served as the home of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans to the Texas Hill Country each fall.
Designed by German circuit architect Hermann Tilke with input from original promoter Tavo Hellmund and 1993 motorcycle world champion Kevin Schwantz, the 3.426-mile road course climbs 133 feet in elevation across its 20 turns. Beyond Formula 1, COTA’s grounds include an amphitheater, a karting track, and a soccer-specific stadium, making it one of the most multi-purpose motorsports venues in North America.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Opened: October 21, 2012
- Capacity: About 120,000
- Track Length: 3.426 miles (5.513 km)
- Turns: 20
- Designer: Hermann Tilke
- Notable Fact: 251-foot observation tower with a 419-step double helix staircase
The Track Experience
COTA’s counter-clockwise layout is famous for ‘Big Red,’ the opening corner that climbs an 11% gradient before drivers plunge into a sweeping sequence of esses modeled loosely on Silverstone and other classic European circuits. The 133 feet of elevation change across the lap makes it one of the most physically demanding tracks on the F1 calendar.
Since opening, COTA has hosted the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix nearly every year from 2012 (pausing only in 2020), along with MotoGP’s Grand Prix of the Americas, NASCAR’s Cup Series race, and the WEC’s Lone Star Le Mans, making it a rare venue that has welcomed all of racing’s top international series.
More Than a Racetrack
The COTA campus extends well beyond the track itself. The Germania Insurance Amphitheater, with roughly 14,000 capacity, has hosted major touring acts, while Bold Stadium, a 5,036-seat soccer-specific venue, was built for Austin Bold FC and has since hosted other tenants. The property also includes a 0.63-mile karting track and observation tower with panoramic views of the full circuit.
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Circuit of the Americas FAQs
When did Circuit of the Americas open?
COTA opened on October 21, 2012, becoming the first purpose-built Grade 1 Grand Prix circuit in the United States.
What is the capacity of Circuit of the Americas?
The facility can accommodate about 120,000 spectators during major events like the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix.
Who designed the Circuit of the Americas track?
The 3.426-mile circuit was designed by German architect Hermann Tilke, with input from original promoter Tavo Hellmund and former motorcycle world champion Kevin Schwantz.
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Photo: WL2392 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.