F1 Austin biting hand that feeds it?

Im guessing with Texas State money in question, volume will bring them some much needed cash. Its hard to figure out what they are doing. I have more faith in the staying power of the NY/NJ race. Time will tell.

 

Just wait until it gets closer to race day, and they have less than 30% of the PSLs sold........

 

IMO is crazy, especially with the "dis-taste" of the last US GP still lingering about

 

But are they almost equivalent seats? The PSL seats are individual seatbacks with armrests and cupholders, they have access to a PSL club/lounge (at least one), some have shade, and I assume they will have run of all the GA areas and pretty much everywhere on the track.

The grandstands for sale at $269-$499 are for temporary bleachers. Some with really good views, but not Turn 1 views. Probably not even as good as T15.

PSL holders have a good chance of getting hosed, but IMO it will be because of F1 or other series leaving sooner than they expected...

 

I really hope this race is going to happen, but I only believe once I see it. Wouldn't be surprised if they collect all the cash from the fans for tickets and won't finish construction in time.

 

How big a surprise is it?
When money gets tight the niceties often get overlooked.
I expect that the inaugural race will come off but there is serious doubt beyond year one.

 

So I'm wondering, what do you all think ticket sales in Austin mean for the NJ GP?

If they are strong, does that help NJ with investors? If they are weak, does that hurt their cause? Or does it not matter either way?

Also, wondering about Montreal's declining attendance this year (first time in 10 years). They are blaming the protesters, but could some of the decline actually be due to the USGP?

 

Having good sales at the Austin GP is probably a mixed bag for NY: Yes, it will help cross pollinate interests and help them find investors but also it is a direct competitor.

Ultimately however I think the NY GP is more in competition with Canada than it is with Austin. Austin will attract different US F1 fans based on its location and it is at least close to the gateway to South America, so expect some of those fans. That said the Mexican GP will cost them viewers starting next year. As will the Argentine GP if it ever comes to fruition.

 

When you said in the original post "plus seat license", I assumed they were. They come with an option for buying parking at the track, right? That makes me think they are something different from regular GS seats.

Also, if you look on COTA maps in their ticketing section, there are several grey covered bleachers (I think) which COTA has said will be special corporate sections. Would the FCA have enough seats blocked off to get one of those?

 

I just tried to buy two $299 seats and was told none were available (on Ticketmaster). When I put in best available, any price, I got general admission. The grandstands aren't sold out, are they?

 

Some are reporting that, yes -
Circuit of the Americas sells out, Canada recap, drivers head to Valencia

However, Ticketmaster is apparently known for holding blocks of tickets for ticket brokers, etc... and if they aren't bought, then they release the blocks, so some might show up later.

I also wonder if they've set aside any for ticket pages to be sold directly from F1. The F1 site doesn't let you buy tickets to the USGP yet even though they've been on sale for 5 days.

So bottom line, keep checking...

 

...great insight LOL!

 

Question: Where is the seating for general admission? Are you standing next to a fence for the entire race period trying to see what's going on?

 

The GA areas are on sloped berms, so you should be able to get a decent view if you can get up high enough. GA tickets let you walk to any of the GA areas and public areas (GA is green in this map):http://circuitoftheamericas.com/images/tk_map.png

You can kind of use the map above and get an idea of the berms from these pics:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.479144382111907.131329.219399881419693&type=1

 

The author of the 'sold out' story, Benoit Rochard, appears to work in a realtor's office.

 

I just checked and best available was turn 12 row 2 at 419/each.

 

What a deal. Nott.

 

Got to hand it to the boys from Texas. They've got the true F1 spirit.

 

Yeah, take all you can get, while you can get it.

 

European F1 newspapers have already picked up on the high prices of Austin. This ain't Indy anymore. We'll see whether this works. I doubt it.

 

You get the impression that they're not into long term thinking.

 

Ive been told today the Ferrari Club Austin has sold out of their 500 tickets @ $499 each on turn 12....If you have a motorhome or self-contained travel trailer I will provide a camping space on large acerage very near the www.hyattlostpines.com at NO CHARGE!! The Hyatt will be running shuttles to COTA,the greatest race facilty on Earth!..Austin is the party monster capitol and its gonna be packed...Ckout the Reggio Pollo chicken trailer @ 183 & 812,,,yummy

 

I still think the long-term future of the race is a tough call, but it's clear that the higher than average prices aren't scaring anyone away this year--they're adding extra reserved grandstand seating.

http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/racing/entries/2012/06/15/circuit_of_the_americas_consid.html