I'd actually be surprised if there was a new business boom related to the track. I'm not sure what business can survive based on a traffic driving by on the way to a few events per year. I'd love to know how many PSL reservations they sold,... and what the conversion rate is to actual PSL sales.
The statesman updated their story about the Indycar race with some interesting quotes (http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2012/03/29/austin_circuit_officials_repor.html) Interesting
Yes. I'm in Houston and was planning on buying 8 tickets and bringing a big group... but those prices are out of the ballpark crazy.
Interesting is an understatement. Its just rather unbelievable and somewhat of a dis-service to the F1 fans in the States. I do not at all understand the logic or lack of it going on with COTA. Its off my radar other than the interaction of this thread.
Houston/Shell/Reliant Stadium (the site of the last CART race) will be 'falling off a log" easy...good to hear!!
You can't even watch the LHN in the west end zone food court because the TVs are hooked up to Time Warner Cable which doesn't carry it. Talk about lack of planning...
I talked to a guy last night that has accomodations for 7 and is a very nice place....sort of a bed with no breakfast place with steller views of downtown Austin. He is talking a charge of around $3K/night with a 4 day min.....and about 15 minutes from track. I think that is what SXSW rate was and he was fully rented for that week. I will get him pinned down on the rate next week. That personally seems high but it is a really nice place.
Which area is it in? I can't think of any place that has a stellar view of downtown that will be 15 minutes away on race day.
At the prices being charged for tickets,... the add'l expense of a helicopter charter to/from the track is not unreasonable.
three grand a night? seriously? who cares about the view. are you going for the race or to sightsee. from what i saw of the sxsw crowd it seemed most of them couldn't raise three grand if they sold everything they owned. i've been following this thing since day one and it just seems it's getting pathetically absurd. why would anyone pay these insane prices to see another tilke go round when you could go to monaco or monza or spa for the same money. i'm thinking just leave the motorhome in storage and watch it on the tv because i don't want to be around people who are so willing to be taken advantage of.
http://www.circuitoftheamericas.com/volunteer Is this right? Are marshals volunteers, or isn't this usually a paid gig?
Marshalls and circuit help are usually unpaid. The SCCA guys take pride in being picked for these gigs. Many come from oberseas, you'll here many Brits out on the flag stations. Nowadays, the lights do most work, but they still need the flaggers. The infamous 'yellow shirts' at Indy are a prime example of track personnel, all volunteers many for decades. The flaggers are required to have a lot of experience, some may be IRL/USAC or SCCA employed.
Just heard from some friends who cancelled their travel arrangements for Austin. They've basically given up. I can't blame them. This GP is not going to happen. At least not this year.
All of the above. Lack of progress, of a cohesive marketing concept, press releases, proof of funding. Basically too much construction left to do while the same locals try to spin the lack of cash. Chances are this is a DOA also for next year at which point Bernie will pull the plug and count the penalty money.
Here is the point of contact to answer your questions and deliver your thoughts on the way the race is being promoted and the costs/methods for obtaining tickets: A.J. Rizzo Premium Sales Consultant Circuit of the Americas 301 Congress Ave Suite 220 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 536-1453 Office (214) 458-3565 Cell (512) 536-1480 Fax [email protected]
First MotoGP race at Laguna (well, 2005), Motel 8 tickets were $450/night for a double king in Monterey. All that has changed in the course of 6 years, and so will Austin...assuming this race gets off the ground. I go to see the races but I also enjoy other aspects of life than the race. So sure, a view is some small aspect of any experience to me. I don't have to get one, but it is a perquisite that is fungible for some. Pathetically absurd is in the eye of the beholder. When I first started attending F1 races, you could get a pit pass and walk among the cars and teams early in the race week. Absurd describes the whole circus these days from the perspective of the somewhat distant past. What's the typical F1 budget for a premier team these days? Thank you very much.
The COTA website does say that USGP tickets will be going on sale in "early summer". Dosent say what year though. BHW
The only thing that doesn't concern me about the race is finding a place to sleep, other than that it would be nice for a lot of these things to get taken care of.
Some information better than none. Email was complete with PDF attached files with detailed seating charts, etc. We currently have seating options in the Main Grandstand, Grand Plaza (Turn 15), and Turn 1.* -Page 7 and 9 of the PSL Presentation will show the Main Grandstand. -Page 8 will give you a look at Turn 1 -Page 4 will show you the Grand Plaza (bottom right picture the elevated stand to the left of the large red tower/amphitheater). * These seats are the best at the track and all come with a personal seat license * A Personal Seat License (PSL): -********* Gives you ownership of the seat for 15 years ******************************* - You can sell your PSL or transfer it to someone else after 2 years of ownership -********* You have right to purchase your seats for ANY race we have scheduled ******************************* - You can sell your tickets at any price you desire -***** *You pay a 1-time upfront cost for PSL -*******You pay an annual season ticket package each July ****** ************************ -*Season Ticket Package includes F1 (Nov 16-18) and V8 Supercars (March or May of 2013) - Any other race is optional -****** You get priority access for presale general admission tickets and Concert tickets (at our amphitheater) * Both the Grand Plaza and Turn 1 have the same price points as the Main Grandstand: - $2000 PSL / $500 Annual Season Ticket - $3000 PSL / $775 Annual Season Ticket - $4000 PSL / $1000 Annual Season Ticket - $5500 PSL / $1250 Annual Season Ticket * Turn 1 does not have the cheapest price option available.* Please note that you can subtract $500 from the PSL price if you pay in full upfront. * If the PSL is not an option, we will have General Admission seats that will come out mid-to-late summer.* You will still have priority access to purchase these seats over the general public and you will be able to use your $100 deposit towards that purchase.* The prices will be consistent with other F1 races around the world. BHW
