I went last year and it was crazy packed and broke records although COVID restrictions testing required etc. It was feeling like less interest this year as people had a hard time reselling tickets for even 50% off. However, this article says it broke last years record? Can anyone who went last year and this year compare the crowds? Thanks. https://theathletic.com/3722306/2022/10/23/f1-us-growth-austin/?redirected=1
Did not go last year, but went this year. Seemed like a crazy number of people to me. Took me an hour to get to the track from downtown Austin each day and an hour to get back. Yesterday when the race was over, my drive back to Houston was extremely congested for several miles east and was heavy virtually all the way to interstate 10 at 71. I was in the Paddock Club and it was interesting to me how many people I talked to that had no idea about F1. They never followed the sport or were invited there or thought it would be fun to try.
It was definitely more packed this year. They added seating and the grass GA areas were absolutely packed.
I don't doubt the numbers. It seemed like more people this year, specifically Friday and Saturday. GA grass seating was packed Saturday. Despite continuing to pull record number of spectators, COTA refuses to find ways to accommodate their guests. The list of logistical nightmares is too long for this post.
I wasn’t there last year, so no comparisons to offer. One thing that shocked me was the difference in leaving the track Sat vs. Sun. We were in T12 grandstand, parked in F. Saturday, the walk out to the lot shortly after quali was extremely crowded (choked off at the little pedestrian bridge), and it took at least an hour to exit the lot. Sunday immediately after the race was a breeze. Probably 15 minutes or less to get out of the lot. Friday and early Saturday, it was easy to get decent viewing in GA areas like the esses complex from T2 - T9. By quali, and certainly on Sunday, these areas were packed.
I went to COTA its 2nd year, 7th year, and 10th year…qualitatively this year was super packed, particularly in the GA sections, and much more so compared to prior years. I generally like to do GA for F1 so I can walk around and see different sections of track (which I did the 2nd and 7th without issue); this year though I had to stake out a spot and not move otherwise I would’ve been at the back of a packed GA section. With this many ppl you’re better off with assigned seats at COTA, unless they reduce the GA tickets next year. Don’t get me started on the corn dog lines this year either…
The line for Corn in a Cup was surprisingly short all weekend - including Sunday pre-race. Best kept secret in O-NEEEE-Der-Land.
In 2012, the inaugural GP, they had a Semi truck with a trailer size BBQ pit selling turkey legs, chicken, and other meats. It was at least 15 lines total and each line was 50yds deep. It was always busy from Friday thru Sunday.
I remember that, we avoided the temptation for the first two days only to cave in on Sunday race day. Damn good meats! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2019 is the only race I went to, all 3 days it took forever to get out of the lot behind turn 12, then it took forever to get away from the track, so hopefully they fixed that!
Same here in 2012. We were at T3. It took us 3 hours to get out of the track area. It was a cluster ****.
We have never once been stuck in COTA traffic 5+ trips over the years, but a few little sacrifices have to be made. We never stayed Austin, either stay Round Rock/Georgetown and take 130 or Hyatt Lost Pines so you are East. When sitting T12 once checkered flag we use to rush to our parking Lot F completely out within 10 minutes. Last year watching from within Paddock Club we did have to sacrifice leaving 5 laps early, but still out within 15 minutes. Entering the track either go really early, which we did last year to fully enjoy the Paddock Club or go within hour of green flag so no traffic. Try to enter and leave as much as possible from the easterly side.
