United States Grand Prix: What are the best seats at COTA?

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Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Map

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General Admission

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As a general admission ticket-holder, you have access to a TON of viewpoints around the circuit. These tickets DO NOT have reserved seating and there isn’t shade or coverings to protect you from the sun or the rain.

There are a HUGE variety of zones for General Admission Fans including areas around: Turns 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 12, 19, and the FAMOUS Turn 1 Hill. Although these are the standard GA areas, this is the type of track that if you see fencing, you can stand there and watch the race. There are very few restricted areas. This is part of why General Admission is SO popular at COTA.

However, for that exact same reason (General Admission being so open and popular) the general admission queue generally starts HOURS before the sessions of the day - with fans showing up as early as 2 AM for a good spot on Race Day. The Turn 1 Hill, of course is where these GA ticketholders are trying to go. Even if you're not aiming for a spot at the Turn 1 Hill, it is advised that you show up early for GA tickets!

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There are MANY GA vantage points - we will cover the most popular and best vantage points!

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Turn 1 Hill

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: No

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This is commonly considered the BEST General Admission Vantage Point.

The extremely steep and infamous hill leading up into Turn 1 is easily the best GA Vantage Point on the track due to its elevation and sheer size. Even if you're standing in the front, you're still on a steep elevation so your view should be great! People in this GA section will have the best views of the start/finish straight into Turn 1 and Turn 2.

I cannot state this enough, if you want to have a spot on the Turn 1 Hill, plan on showing up VERY early, every day. If you have watched any USGP session, you would have seen how packed this area gets.... Arrive. Early.

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This GA Area is accessible from the main gate but this area will be VERY VERY V E R Y congested. This is the main path to the main grandstand, all of Turn 1 GA, the accompanying Grandstand, and many fan zone areas. From personal experience, budget at least 15-20 minutes to get up the hill on race day. There is also a small gate at the bottom of the Turn 1 hill next to Lot A, but you will still run into foot traffic so budget 10-15 minutes if using this gate.

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Turns 2 and 3

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: No

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This is a much smaller General Admission Area at the top of the Turn 1 hill, just past the Turn 1 Grandstand. There used to be a standard Turn 2 Grandstand here, but this area has been converted. This area is generally not very popular because there is very little action and you can only see the turn that is directly in front of you and nothing else.

If you stand a bit further to the right, you will be able to see more of the esses. Please, note, there is no elevation as compared to the Turn 1 Hill because you are now at that higher elevation. There is, however, a screen with audio for this section, so you will always know what's happening in the race!

This GA Area is accessible from the main gate but this area will be VERY VERY V E R Y congested. This is the main path to the main grandstand, all of Turn 1 GA, the Turn 1 Grandstand, and many fan zone areas. From personal experience, budget at least 15-20 minutes to get up the hill on race day. There is also a small gate at the bottom of the Turn 1 hill next to Lot A, but you will still run into foot traffic so budget 10-15 minutes if using this gate.

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Turn 5

Big Screen: Yes (only if standing in front of Turn 4 Grandstand or Turn 9 Grandstand)

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: No

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Technically this section is a very very long GA area all the way from the Turn 4 Grandstands to the Start of the Turn 9 Grandstands. This area is a bit less popular than that of Turn 1 because you can basically only see what is directly in front of you. However, there is much more room to spread out and get a comfortable spot (as pictured).

There are not any TV screens here, although audio can be heard closer to the Turn 4 grandstand. As with the Turn 1/2 General Admission areas, give yourself ample time to get to these turns from the main gate because you will have to either fight the traffic of the Turn 1 hill or cut through the Turn 3 tunnel. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a large food and beverage tent and La Cantina Fan Zone!

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Turns 6 and 7

Big Screen: No

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: No

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Again, this area is technically a very very long GA area all the way from the Turn 4 Grandstands to the Start of the Turn 9 Grandstands. This area is a bit less popular than that of Turn 1 because you can basically only see what is directly in front of you unless you are at the apex of Turn 7 where you can look down to Turns 6 and 8, as pictured. However, there is much more room to spread out and get a comfortable spot (as pictured).

There are not any TV screens here, although audio can be heard closer to the Turn 9 grandstand. As with the Turn 1/2 General Admission areas, give yourself ample time to get to these turns from the main gate because you will have to either fight the traffic of the Turn 1 hill or cut through the Turn 3 tunnel. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a large food and beverage tent and La Cantina Fan Zone!

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Turn 19

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: No

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Turn 19 is the second most popular General Admission area other than the Turn 1 hill! In this section fans are scattered across the entirety of Turn 18 through Turn 19 - even in front of the Turn 19 Grandstand! You will have a view of Turns 19 and 20, the straight connecting them, AND up to the Turn 1 hill! Additionally, this area does have access to a screen and audio thanks to the Turn 19 Grandstand.

If you don't want to arrive hours before the start of the day for a good spot on the Turn 1 hill, come to Turn 19!

There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including the entire Grand Plaza directly behind the grandstand. Getting to the Turn 19 area is one of the easiest on the track.

The best way to get there is by entering through the Main Gates and walking through the right side of the Main Plaza. There should be minimal foot traffic compared to other GA Areas, so your walk should take under 5 minutes or so.

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Germania Super Stage (concerts) and Germania Amphitheater (driver and team appearances)

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No 

Numbered Seating: No

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Something else that COTA is known for that is part of the experience for every fan is their performance and speaking stages! The Germania Super Stage is located just off of Turn 11 on the straight leading to Turn 12. The cars do go directly in front of this stage and it is primarily used for the concerts (shout out Eminem!) rather than General Admission viewing.

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On the other hand, the Germania Amphitheater, located just off of the Grand Plaza IS the place where fans want to be EVERY DAY. Nearly every single driver, team principal, and reserve driver in attendance will have a fan session throughout the weekend at this stage! You will want to show up early for these if you want to get into the GA pit, otherwise grab a seat at a higher elevation (the entire area is on a slant for viewing purposes).

Additionally, the amphitheater shows EVERY session - so if you're in GA and don't want to show up early for a good spot for Practice sessions - you can watch here!

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Grandstands

**NOTE: COTA Grandstands are subject to change from year to year. From the 2023 - 2024 United States Grand Prix, a number of grandstands were removed and covering was added to some grandstands on the track.

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Main Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes, multiple

Covered: Partial - Front 10 rows in the 100's level won't be until the late afternoon

Numbered Seating: Yes

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The Main Grandstand at COTA is the most premier standard grandstand seating that you can get during the United States Grand Prix. With it's own dedicated building, concessions, and multiple levels (including hospitality packages), you will get a much more comfortable experience than any other Grandstand or General Admission.

In the standard 100s level you will have the most direct view of the start/finish straight, pit lane, various garages and the podium (depending on your section), up to the Turn 1 Hill to your right. I sat in the Main Grandstand in section 105 during the 2023 USGP Race Day and we didn't have to leave our seats for the podium! So depending on what garage or activity you want a direct view of, choose the corresponding section.

The seats in the Main Grandstand are individual folding seats, not benches- you will likely not need a seat cushion unless you want extra support. The grandstand does have TV screens that are scattered along the Paddock Building. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including many within the actual Main Grandstand "building".

This grandstand is easily accessible from the main gate (around a 5-10 minute walk). There is also a small gate directly next to the grandstand attached to Lot A. Please note that walking this direction towards the Main Grandstand can get VERY congested due to it being the path to Turn 1.

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Turn 1 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes, on the smaller side

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: Yes, individual seats.

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The Turn 1 Grandstand is located at the very top of the Turn 1 hill, just past the Main Grandstand and Paddock (that you can easily view from your seats). This grandstand has a great view of the Start/Finish Straight, Turn 1, down into Turn 2, and even Turns 16-18 and Turn 19 in the distance. Due to its high elevation, you have a fantastic view of the track.

The seats in the Main Grandstand are individual folding seats, not benches- you will likely not need a seat cushion unless you want extra support. The grandstand does have a TV screen located across the track, as you can see it is on the smaller side so buying a race radio is advised. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a large food and beverage tent.

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This grandstand is accessible from the main gate but this area will be VERY VERY V E R Y congested. This is the main path to the main grandstand, all of Turn 1 GA, this Grandstand, and many fan zone areas. From personal experience, budget at least 15-20 minutes to get up the hill on race day. There is also a small gate at the bottom of the Turn 1 hill next to Lot A, but you will still run into foot traffic so budget 10-15 minutes if using this gate.

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Turn 4 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes, multiple smaller screens

Covered: PARTIAL - Rows 12 and up, higher price point for covering

Numbered Seating: Yes

The Turn 4 Grandstand is located along Turns 3-5 with the center of the grandstand at Turn 4. This grandstand has a view of all three of these turns regardless of your seat as well as most of Turn 6 if you're closer to the right side of the Grandstand (higher numbered sections). You may have a limited view further along the track because there are large walking bridges (pictured above) that will block most of your view.

The seats in the Turn 4 Grandstand are individual folding seats, not benches- you will likely not need a seat cushion unless you want extra support. Additionally, they have added a partial covering for Rows 12 and up that will keep you shaded throughout the day (for a higher price point) - in the later afternoon sessions, the entire grandstand is shaded. The grandstand does have a TV screen located across the track on both ends of the grandstand as well as one in the center, as you can see they are all on the smaller side, so buying a race radio is advised. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a large food and beverage tent and La Cantina Fan Zone!

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This grandstand is accessible from the main gate but you will have a long walk up through and past the Turn 1 congestion and hill. You can also access this grandstand by walking through the Main Plaza and crossing over the Turn 3 Bridge. Each of these paths will take some time, regardless so budget at least 20 minutes to get to your grandstand on time from the main gates.

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Turn 9 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: Yes

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The Turn 9 Grandstand is located on the straight between Turns 9 and 10, directly in front of the concert field for the Germania Super Stage. This grandstand has a view of Turns 9 and 10 (and the straight between), as well as Turn 11. You may have a limited view further along the track because there are large walking bridges (pictured above) that will block most of your view.

The seats in the Turn 9 Grandstand are metal benches and you should absolutely bring a seat cushion for extra support. The grandstand does have a TV screen located across the track in the center of the grandstand, so if you're sitting in the lowest sections or the highest sections, your view of the TV may be minimal. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a small food and beverage tent and the La Cantina Fan Zone is about a 5 minute walk away.

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Getting to the Turn 9 Grandstand can be a bit of a journey. The best way to get there is by entering through the Main Gates, walking through the Main Plaza and crossing over the Turn 3 Bridge, then walking a bit to the grandstand. All in all there will be a lot of congestion, so you should plan at least 20 -25 minutes to walk to the grandstand from the main gates.

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Turn 12 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes, 1 smaller screen

Covered: No

Numbered Seating: Yes

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The Turn 12 Grandstand is located on the straight leading into turn 12, directly next to the main entrance and main plaza area. This grandstand has a view of Turns 12 - 15 if you are in the middle rows and higher. On the highest rows of the grandstand, you will be able to see all the way across the track to the 'Esses' of Turns 3-6. You may have a limited view further in the furthest section to the right of the turns past Turns 12 and 13 due to your angle.

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The seats in the Turn 12 Grandstand are metal benches and you should absolutely bring a seat cushion for extra support. The grandstand does have a TV screen located across the track in the center of the grandstand, so if you're sitting in the lowest sections or the highest sections, your view of the TV may be minimal. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including a small food and beverage tent and the Grand Plaza is about a 5 minute walk away.

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Getting to the Turn 12 Grandstand if very simple. The best way to get there is by entering through the Main Gates and walking through the Main Plaza. There should be minimal foot traffic compared to other Grandstands, so your walk should take 5 minutes or so.

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Turn 15 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes - ONLY SECTIONS A, B, AND C

Numbered Seating: Yes

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The Turn 15 Grandstand is located along the long curve of Turn 15 and down the exit of 15 (the straight). This grandstand is one of the very first that you'll see when entering the main gates! This grandstand is massive and technically has 2 separate grandstand - one smaller one and one large, long grandstand. Sections 1 - 7 are located in the smaller grandstand along the Turn 15 Apex where you will have a view of Turns 12 - the entrance of Turn 16. Sections 8 - 25 (the larger grandstand) is located on the straight and has a view of Turns 12 - 16, AND if you are seated in Section 25, you can turn and see Turns 1 and 2 thanks to their elevation!

The seats in the Turn 15 Grandstand are individual seats - so only bring a seat cushion if you want extra support. The grandstand does have 2 TV screens located across the track on either end of the grandstand, so if you're sitting in the middle sections, your view of the TV may be minimal. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including the entire Grand Plaza directly behind the grandstand.

Getting to the Turn 15 Grandstand is one of the easiest on the track. The best way to get there is by entering through the Main Gates and walking through the left side of the Main Plaza. There should be minimal foot traffic compared to other Grandstands, so your walk should take under 5 minutes or so.

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Turn 19 Grandstand

Big Screen: Yes

Covered: Yes, partial (row 12 and up)

Numbered Seating: Yes

The Turn 19 Grandstand is located along the straight from Turn 18 to Turn 19. This grandstand is one of the very first that you'll see when entering the main gates! I have personally sat in this grandstand and not only was its accessibility amazing, the view was great! There was SO MUCH action right in front of this grandstand during the 2024 sprint, quali, and race. Not only do you have a perfect view of the cars shooting out of Turn 18 into Turn 19 and entering 20, from nearly every seat you can see the Turn 1 hill!

The seats in the Turn 19 Grandstand are metal benches and you should absolutely bring a seat cushion for extra support. The grandstand does have 1 LARGE TV screen located across the track in the center of the grandstand. There are a number of restroom and food/ drink facilities close by including the entire Grand Plaza directly behind the grandstand.Getting to the Turn 19 Grandstand is one of the easiest on the track.

The best way to get there is by entering through the Main Gates and walking through the right side of the Main Plaza. There should be minimal foot traffic compared to other Grandstands, so your walk should take under 5 minutes or so.

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We hope this guide is helpful!

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If you are looking to purchase tickets for the United States Grand Prix, make sure to check P1 Travel as they have the best seats and prices for all of the grandstands and seating options listed above.

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Be sure to check out our other US Grand Prix articles to ensure you maximize your trip to Austin!

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