US GP in Austin Discussion and Speculation...

I don't think it's foolish. What is foolish is not telling us enough information before asking for the money.

We have been waiting for 2 years for information on this race. Where is it? All I know is they want a $100 to be in the game. Please tell us a little more of the rules before we ante up.

 

I have already commented on my position that the marketing is not being handled in the way I would handle it if this were my project. I can't say if this approach is arrogant, misguided, less than competant, or any other emotional response one might have to a situation that is difficult to comprehend.

Bottom line?

It is what it is.

 

Examples of how to handle this abound in the world of F1. Rock bands have great success selling tickets all the time as well.
At the very least a refund policy should be posted along with the offer. Its elementary marketing.

 

I thought this explained it pretty well:

Is my deposit for the Select Seating waitlist refundable?
Yes. If you sign up for the Select Seating waitlist and decide you are no longer interested in purchasing a suite or select seating, we will refund your $100 deposit.


Seating FAQ
January 21, 2012
How do I enroll for Select Seating waitlist?
In order to reserve your spot on the official Circuit of The Americas waitlist for suite and select seating opportunities, a $100 per account deposit and contact information must be submitted at the following link: http://bit.ly/SelectSeatingDeposit

Why is PayPal being used for deposit transactions?
PayPal is a trusted platform with over 100 million customers using the service worldwide. As an established international business, PayPal accepts payments from 190 countries worldwide. Most importantly, PayPal provides customers with the highest quality of ecommerce security, and protects you and your customers using the latest in anti-fraud technology.

Please note: customers placing Select Seating Waitlist deposits do not need a PayPal account to purchase; just a credit card.

Do I have to pay with a credit card?
You may pay with a debit card, credit card or through a PayPal account. More information on how to set up a PayPal account can be found here.

When can I enroll for the Select Seating waitlist?
The Circuit of The Americas waitlist will be open beginning Saturday, January 21, and will close on Monday, February 13. Your priority will be set by the date and time you make your confirmed deposit.

Is my deposit for the Select Seating waitlist refundable?
Yes. If you sign up for the Select Seating waitlist and decide you are no longer interested in purchasing a suite or select seating, we will refund your $100 deposit.

When will I be contacted to purchase my Personal Seat License?
Following the close of the Select Seating enrollment period on Monday, February 13, we will begin contact individuals on the waitlist with a survey with information regarding the different seating options and pricing available. Our sales reps will start calling on the Waitlist starting March 1st.

When do Personal Seat Licenses officially go on sale?
Personal Seat Licenses will go on sale March 1, 2012.

How much will a Personal Seat License cost?
Personal seat licenses will range in price from $1,000 to $5,000 per seat depending on proximity to the start/finish line and amenities, payable, if desired, in two installments.

What is a Personal Seat License?
A persoanl seat license entitles its holder to purchase tickets for all racing events at Circuit of The Americas for the next 15 years. The license also gives its holder a priority position to purchase tickets for entertainment events held at Circuit of The Americas for the duration of the license.

What if I’ve missed the deadline to enroll for the Select Seating waitlist? How do I get more information on different seating levels?
Individual event tickets to the 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix will be offered for sale in early summer. Fans interested in buying tickets to this event should register their contact information at www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com and sign up for the Circuit’s email newsletter.

 

I made the comment on the $5000 ticket thread.. The management from COTA and the management from Legends Hospitality Management( the firm selling the tickets and PSL's) all have backgrounds from ball and stick sports with the President of COTA from Churchill Downs.. Having worked in open wheel and road racing at many places including CART and Mid Ohio Sports Car Course, you can read the tea leaves and see that they aren't at all in tune with the unique nature of open wheel, F1 fans and the realities of selling, marketing and catering to these groups in North America or specifically the US. I hate to be a naysayer, but no positive signs at all across the board on things. There is no doubt there will be a race in November, the big question is to what level of competence of services and execution of the event there will be? I really hope they pull some rabbits out of the hat, like a great title sponsor, like Red Bull someone that has incredible marketing experience to make up for some of the short comings.. I am sure
(hope) that they have been courting sponsors since last year? The budget cycles for companies are already set for 2012.... With that said, if they had a few sponsors signed you would think they would announce that, give more credibility to to other potential sponsors and certainly more confidence to the fan...

 

A general admission ticket will probably be what I purchase because I would like asmuch track access as possible ie different vantage points. Alittle off topic but I am also considering working security for the race weekend but I'm uncertain as to whom I should contact??

 

Currently COTA is directing people interested in future employment at the track to a third party job placement company, circuitoftheamericas.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfm. Whether it be a position they are still seeking applicants for or they just haven't removed the posting from the job board, COTA is still in search of a Director of Human Resources,not something that gives you confidence with where they are in overall staffing. With that said, based on what we have seen so far with outsourcing some sales, I would expect COTA to contract with a temp agency or security firm to manage and provide temporary staffing for the event.. Have to keep eyes open for local announcements in paper, online.

 

Thanks Andy I appreciate the info. I am a state certified peace officer so I was thinking maybe it would be nice to helpout with security but that could interfere with me watching the race as a fan, it may actually be more hassle than it is worth.

 

BUT you may have more access and an excuse to be around the track the whole weekend. I say go for it (mostly because I want to live vicariously through you and/or pics you may get )

 

+1 - The whole week! I guess you can carry a gun? You may get lucky and get assigned to, say, Bernie's security detail for the event......

OTOH, you may be stuck out in a parking lot in the back of beyond and see nothing.....

FWIW, and I'm very much out of date, back in the day marshalls etc had to have extensive experience in the lower formulae before being "invited" to do a GP - And rookies always got parking lot assignments. It took *years* of volunteering before you got anywhere near the track and/or the pits.

Good luck, let us know if anything transpires,
Cheers,
Ian

 

Technology trickles slowly into Gruene...it wasn't that long ago they were grinding grain with water power.....

 

I doubt they're going to do direct hire for event related positions. If they do use a local company to provide security, my guess is, it'd be w3. They do a lot of the bigger jobs around town.

http://www.w3events.com/

 

That is my thinking aswell as I would like to be able to walk the complete infield yet I would have to talk to those in charge of security. Another issue I may have is not being able to even attend the race because God willing I will be starting with a new pd soon and the job always comes first.

You are probably right Ben but I can almost guarantee that there will also be Travis County sheriffs working the event. I was a deputy sheriff last year and worked security for basically any event in the county.

I just need to wait and see how the race pans out and how my new job goes and what shift I'll be working. Like Joe I also may be living vicariously through everyone else .

 

Always the optimist, huh Simon?

 

He is right though but then I would miss the race entirely and having followed F1 religiously since '79 the Austin GP will be my first to attend so maybe I should wait?? Also yes Ian I would carry my firearm and be in uniform so no issue there.

 

At the risk of sounding like a killjoy I would rather the security force be made up of non-race fans. That way they can concentrate on the security issues at hand without potential distraction.

 

No killjoy taken as that is one of my 'personal' concerns for myself, I just wanna be a race fan.

 

http://formulaone.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/23/ticket-talk-at-the-circuit-of-the-americas/

the webcam made the times

www.speedcitycam.com

 

http://austin.ynn.com/content/282622/hefty-f1-tickets-slated-for-sale

There aren't even that many seats in the grand stand...

 

Race organizers anticipate that two-thirds of the F1 crowd will come from outside of the Austin area, with a sizeable percentage coming from overseas.


There is no doubt there will be curiosity seekers from the Austin area, Texas and the southwest and beyond, but 1/3 from the Austin area.. Sorry but that is a flawed projection. Unless they have a Friday or weekend general admission ticket at a cheap price, or incredible buy in from a sponsor like Red Bull or a Marlboro to buy tickets for giveaway.. Hope I am wrong.. FYI, I recall attending the 2002 F1 race in Indy and one Friday paid $ 15 dollars for a GA ticket and parking in the infield.. Dont see that happening....Also it will be interesting to see who runs as support series to the F1 race.

 

Speaking of infield, does anyone know if there will be any "NASCAR" style parking of RVs inside the course? It would rock so hard to be inside of a corner watching from the roof of a camper!!

 

Who else would buy a seat license? Is this a case where financial needs dictate seat license sale projections?

 

this is what i'm hoping for

 

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.370921422922409.104189.157330087614878&type=1


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