Main Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Main Grandstands are situated across from the pits and split into 4 “sections” — Club, Mezzanine, Lower, and Trackside. You’ll be able to view drivers and teams on the starting grid, watch the checkered flag drop, and have premier viewing on the post-race awards ceremony. The grandstands are located directly across from pit lane which means you are able to peer into the hive of activity of pit crews in action all weekend long. As the race proceeds, you’ll have visibility from T20, down the high speed start/finish straight, and the 130 ft ascent to T1. The far eastern side of the grandstand will have a good view of any action occurring at T1 but from a distance as the start/finish straight is quite long.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are permanent installations with each offering modern stadium style seating featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests except the Lower section which has bleacher seating with back supports.
• The primary difference between the 4 sections is elevation and overhead cover. The grandstands face the north east which will result in shade for the Club, Mezzanine and even the Lower sections during mid-day and into the afternoon.
• Club is the entire second level offering the best visibility in the pits and both T20 and T1. The whole section is advertised as covered, but if wet weather moves in, coverage is going to be dependent on wind and rain direction. Only the top 2/3 of Club have a shot at being dry as the bottom 1/3 is only just covered.
• Mezzanine is at the top of the lower section. The view is generally unobstructed and and has good overhead coverage from the elements — rain or shine.
• Trackside and Lower are generally the same. The only difference is that Lower is situated in the middle of the straight whereas Trackside is on both sides extending towards T20 or T1. Given the lower elevation, you’ll likely be looking through the fence and doubly so to see into the pits. You’re close the action but there are certainly better views from other grandstands.
• There’s plenty of concessions, washrooms, and water stations nearby. There’s even an indoor food concession area within the grandstand structure complete with lots of seating, TV screens so you don’t miss any action, and gloriously cool air conditioning to provide relief from that signature Texas heat 🌡.
• Other nearby attractions include the COTA Karting track and the Soarin’ Eagle Flight zipline if you’re looking for some additional excitement between on-track events.
• The closest track entrance is the Main Grandstand entrance located just behind the grandstands and off of parking Lot A. However, if you’re not parking in Lot A directly, there’s a good chance you’ll be entering from elsewhere and walking to the grandstand.

Turn 1 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 1 Grandstands are at the entrance to the hill-top apex of “Big Red” and under the shadow of the massive American flag. Like the Main Grandstand, the view starts at the exit of T20 (albeit from a long way off), down the start/finish straight and through T1 as drivers navigate the tight, 270 degree corner. Given the hill-top perch, the grandstand provides excellent viewing opportunities for multiple sections of track beyond what’s directly in front of the grandstand — even if they’re at a distance. T2, part of T3, the sweep around the COTA tower (T16, T17, T18) and entrance to T19 are all within view. The pit area is also close enough to easily keep track of teams prepping and executing on their stops. As a final bonus, the downtown Austin cityscape is clearly outlined on the horizon directly across the track.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are semi-permanent installations offering modern stadium style seating featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• The grandstands face the north east which puts the sun at your back but otherwise there’s no overhead coverage from the elements — rain or shine — other than the brim on your hat.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located behind the grandstands.
• The closest track entrance is the aptly named, Turn 1 Entrance located behind the grandstand and off of the Lot T parking area.

Turn 2 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 2 Grandstands are located at the apex of T2 on the exterior side of the track. Your view will depend greatly on where you’re situated. The left side has a view of the turn 1 exit as drivers accelerate downhill through T2, but lose sight as drivers exit. The right side has a full view of T2 and down towards the entry to the “esses” of T3. Across the track, the elevated grandstand provides a view of the sweep around the COTA tower (T16, T17, T18) as well.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations but offer the same modern stadium style seating as found elsewhere featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• The grandstands face the west resulting in full sun exposure during mid-day and even looking towards the sun later in the afternoon.
• A foot-bridge between the Turn 2 and Turn 4 Grandstands provides access to the infield and a shortcut to another footbridge over T16 towards the COTA tower and Grand Plaza.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located behind the grandstands.
• There are two nearby entrances — Turn 1 Entrance and Turn 3 Entrance. Turn 1 Entrance is located a short distance uphill from the grandstand and off of the Lot T parking area. Turn 3 Entrance is behind the grandstands off of Lot N.

Turn 4 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 4 Grandstands are in the middle of the “esses”. Spectators sitting here are treated to a technical portion of the track at high speeds consisting of T3, T4, and T5. The shape of the track provides a wide viewing angle which encompasses the latter half of T2, T3, T4, T5, and most of T6 before venturing out of sight.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations but offer the same modern stadium style seating as found elsewhere featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• The upper half of the grandstand is covered by an awning to provide coverage from the sun and any wet weather that might otherwise spoil the experience. The lower half is left exposed so plan accordingly.
• The grandstands face the north west which means a spectator will only really have to worry about looking towards the late afternoon sun if looking left towards the T2 exit.
• A foot-bridge between the Turn 2 and Turn 4 Grandstands provides access to the infield and a shortcut to another footbridge over T16 towards the COTA tower and Grand Plaza.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located behind the grandstands.
• The nearest entrance is Turn 3 Entrance a short walk to the south off of Lot N.

Turn 6 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 6 Grandstands are located at the end of the “esses” at the exit of T6. This location provides an excellent view looking back to T3 as drivers maneuver the technical section at high speed. To the left, T7 is within view and you’ll also see drivers across the top of the apex at T9. Given it’s low-slung elevation, only the seats at the very top have the potential catch a glimpse of the back straight.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations but offer the same modern stadium style seating as found elsewhere featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• There is no coverage for these grandstands and no shade anywhere nearby unless it’s under a tent alongside the nearby amenities.
• The grandstands face south which results in full sun exposure all day. Bring plenty of sunscreen. You’re going to need it.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located behind the grandstands.
• None of the entrances are particularly close. It’s about equidistant to both the Turn 3 and Grand Plaza entrances.

Turn 9 Bleachers

Viewing Description

The Turn 9 Grandstands / Bleachers are a large installation providing excellent viewing of Sector 2 action — if you’re in an upper row. From a mid or upper row, you’ll have a great vantage point to observe drivers exiting T6, through T7, and approaching your positing through T8 and T9. T10 is just on the right end and then you can continue watching down the short straight to a tight T11. The upper rows have a semi-obstructed view of the long back straight as well.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations offering rudimentary bench-style seating; no back, no arm rests, just you and a long-slung metal surface.
• There is no coverage for these grandstands and no shade anywhere nearby unless it’s under a tent alongside the nearby amenities.
• The grandstands face the north, north-west so while there isn’t any coverage from the sun or rain, the sun will generally be at your back which helps.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located to either side of the grandstands.
• The nearest entrance is Turn 11 Entrance a short walk to the north-east off of Lot L.

Turn 12 Bleachers

Viewing Description

The Turn 12 Grandstands / Bleachers are a large installation located at the end of the back straight and the entrance to T12. The part of the track transitions into a series of snake-like switchbacks which makes a large section of track viewable from this seating area. To the left, drivers will be heading towards T12 at full speed and you’ll be able to view a great overtaking spot as they jockey for position heading into the corner. T13, T14, T15 and T16 are all viewable. As with the others, the higher rows will have the better view even if they’re a bit further away from the track and can likely even catch the action at the “esses” across the infield too.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are semi-permanent installations offering rudimentary bench-style seating; no back, no arm rests, just a bench to sit on.
• There is no coverage for these grandstands and no shade anywhere nearby unless it’s under a tent alongside the nearby amenities.
• The grandstands face the south which leaves spectators with a full dose of sunshine all day long.
• There are dedicated concessions, toilets, and water stations located behind the grandstands and the Grand Plaza is a short distance away if more options are needed.
• The nearest entrance is the Grand Plaza Entrance to the west.

Turn 13 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 13 Grandstands are a small seating area positioned at the infield between T13 and T14. This location is the midst of a the technical switchbacks but the low elevation and narrow form factor provide only limited visibility of the area immediately in front of you — T13, T14, and T15. The action coming into T12 will be out of sight and cars will be maneuvering this section of track and relatively low speeds.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations but offer the same modern stadium style seating as found elsewhere featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• This area is covered which provides a silver-lining to go alongside the limited viewing options.
• The grandstands face the north which means you won’t even be looking into the sun, but given the coverage, that’s a limited concern.
• The area directly behind the grandstands feature lots of amenities so there will be plenty of options for concessions as well as numerous toilets and water stations.
• The nearest entrance is the Turn 3 Entrance off of Lot N, but the Grand Plaza Entrance is nearly as close in the opposite direction.

Turn 15 Grandstand

Viewing Description

The Turn 15 Grandstands are split into 2 distinct sections which wrap the last switchback section of the Sector 2 switchbacks. The smaller section sits near the apex of T15 whereas the much larger section sits at the exit of T15 and extends down to the footbridge near the T16 entry. From the upper half of the grandstands, spectators have a view of T12, T13, T14, T15 and the entry to T16. From lower down or further to the right end of the large grandstand, the exit of T13, T14, and T15 are still within view but you’ll miss out on the T12 entry.

Other Considerations

• The Turn 15 grandstands are semi-permanent installations offering modern stadium style seating featuring individual seats, back supports, and arm rests.
• There is no coverage for these grandstands and no shade anywhere nearby unless it’s under a tent alongside the nearby amenities.
• The smaller grandstands on the left face west whereas the larger section faces somewhat to the north-west. The orientation provides relief from the sun since it will be overhead and fading to your back throughout the afternoon.
• The grandstands sit just west of the Grand Plaza which hosts numerous concessions, toilets, water stations, exhibitions (e.g. race cars and team booths), merchandise, live music and much more. The COTA tower is also nearby and is recommended for an impressive, 360 degree birds eye view of the whole track.
• The nearest entrance is the Grand Plaza Entrance situated at the north end of the plaza.

Turn 19 Bleachers

Viewing Description

The Turn 19 Grandstands / Bleachers are another large semi-permanent fixture nestled into the grassy slope alongside the entrance to T19 and the run-off / gravel trap. From this vantage point, you’ll have a clear view of T18 which completes the 180 degree sweep around the COTA tower. Drivers have a short straight to accelerate towards T19 and then another straight down to a tight T20 and also the pit entrance. Spectators sitting here will also have a long-shot view of T1 given it’s steep climb towards the highest point on the circuit.

Other Considerations

• The grandstands are temporary installations offering rudimentary bench-style seating; no back, no arm rests, just you and a long-slung metal surface.
• There is no coverage for these grandstands and no shade anywhere nearby unless it’s under a tent alongside the nearby amenities — which there is plenty of given it’s location just off the Grand Plaza.
• The grandstands face the south-west leaving you exposed to full sun for the majority of the day — especially during the afternoon race sessions.
• The grandstands sit just west of the Grand Plaza which hosts numerous concessions, toilets, water stations, exhibitions (e.g. race cars and team booths), merchandise, live music and much more. The COTA tower is also nearby and is recommended for an impressive, 360 degree birds eye view of the whole track.
• The nearest entrance is the Grand Plaza Entrance situated at the north end of the plaza.

General Admission

Viewing Description

Large sections of the track are accessible for GA spectators. The view is dependent on where you are located around the circuit. The best viewing locations are usually staked out by early arrivals and require a real commitment to stay in place to maintain that position (or friendly short-term neighbours which are plentiful 😉). Many of the GA areas are banked so unlike some other tracks where the best views are up against the fence, you’ll likely have a good view of the area immediately in front of you and staking out a higher elevation may be beneficial. Given the pricing of some of the grandstands, GA is a great low-price way to experience a race weekend and provides maximum mobility if you prefer to view events from many different locations throughout the weekend.

Other Considerations

• Bring a chair or a blanket to rest your weary legs between on-track events. COTA is a large track and you’ll be on your feet a lot. Your legs will thank you!
• As you might imagine given it’s location in the central Texas hill country, the track isn’t lined with trees or much of anything resembling shade. Assuming it’s not wet out, the grounds will be hot and dusty so make sure you dress appropriately for the heat and pack plenty of sunscreen or other UV protective clothing alongside a pair of comfortable shoes.