Circuit of the Americas

October 2024

Attended 2024 USGP F1 and was basically the same experience from last year. The traffic management was worse but on Sunday arrived from the back router to access Lot L with no issues. The pricing seemed to be a bit higher but they had a nice assortment of food options. The big surprise was LEGO was a new sponsor and allowed fans to build their own F1 car and keep it. There was also a bit more fan experiences too. I saw Sting perform on Friday night. Overall it's a big place and will do a lot of walking so have to be patient with crowds and accept it as it is and you will have a good time.

March 2024

If you want to avoid crazy crowds or pricey admission to see a big time auto race then NASCAR at COTA is for you. Speedway Motorsports does a great job in bringing this NASCAR event to COTA. Unlike USGP F1 most of the action for fans to hang out is at the Grand Plaza and Main Grandstand. I noticed a new large mural near the Main Grandstand. The food was decent where some vendors are better than others and plenty of drink options. For this race, food in the Grandstand Club was replaced by self checkouts with only a selection of drinks and popcorn.

I saw no one complaining except one guy who could not bring in an ice chest full of drinks, where everyone around me was having a great time.

December 2023

Peppermint Parkway was much more grander this year where there was more lights and decorations. I purchased a Fast Pass but with all the people here still had to wait in a very long line. Luckily there was a port-o-potty after I scanned my ticket. I also noticed parents followed me too with their kids in tow. When you check in you can buy drinks and popcorn. Like always the Grinch greeted you as you entered the Parkway. You can also purchase a little extra to slowly ride the track. It was fun to experience.

Afterwards I had to park at Lot E and walk to Peppermint Plaza. When you buy a Parkway pass you also get access to the Plaza. There was also more stuff to see too along with more food and drink options. All the rides were in operation. There was also more corporate sponsors where Coca-Cola had taste testing and decorate your own ornament. A few things are not present this year like a stage where dancer/singers perform, indoor bar, and an ice rink. It was pretty cold and many were drinking hot cocoa from the large souvenir cup.

We had a great time and great place to bring your kids too.

October 2023:

I attended the Formula 1 Levono United States Grand Prix (USGP) at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) and the races were exciting with some changes to the venue. If you never been here then expect huge crowds meaning parking or getting here will need to be planned, long lines (at times) for food and drinks, and hot temperatures (unless a cold front comes through). There will also be a lot of walking so wear comfortable shoes. You can bring in a sealed water bottle, but the usually goes quickly so expect high prices for food and drinks. There are corporate vendor displays where can play games and acquired swag, purchase F1 merchandise, and ride some amusement park rides.

For Friday and Saturday nights, you can experience big name concerts where this year was The Killers and Queen + Adam Lambert, and after the race on Sunday this year, Tiësto entertained the fans.

The new additions I noticed this year was the use of walk through scanners, table seating under covered tents scattered around the track, free AM radios provided by American Express to listen to the race on ESPN radio, and more food options including self grab and checkouts. ApplePay seemed like was working better this year.

I also noticed improved traffic management where it was quicker to get to my parking lot and leaving too - I usually wait until the crowds thin out.

I sat in the Turn 9 bleachers so did not bring a blanket or chairs. I noticed on Sunday some vendors started to run out of Coca-Cola but not beer. I had a great time and will do it again next year.