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Grand PrixView Thursday at COTA

Start race week with Thursday campus activities and a pit-lane walk on 22 October, using a separate Thursday ticket.

Plan this experience
Explore the story
CostSeparate Thursday admission
Time to allowThe pit-lane walk window is 14:00–16:00
PlaceCircuit of the Americas

01 / The experience

Grand PrixView Thursday at COTA

Grand PrixView Thursday opens the COTA campus for displays, shops, activities and F1 Academy action before the three Grand Prix days. A pit-lane walk runs 14:00–16:00 for Thursday ticket holders. Check the organiser’s assembly instructions before arrival.

Enter through Grand Plaza and follow the organiser’s pit-walk instructions. This is a spectator visit, not a promise of paddock access, garage entry, an autograph or a driver meeting. Check your hospitality package separately for any additional entitlement.

Grand PrixView Thursday at COTA, Austin
Motorsport & circuit experiencesGrand PrixView Thursday at COTAAustin

In pictures

The full gallery.

02 / The essentials

Grand PrixView Thursday at COTA: visit essentials

  1. 01

    22 October 2026 only

  2. 02

    Separate Thursday ticket required

  3. 03

    Pit-lane walk 14:00–16:00

04 / Before you go

Plan your visit

Start race week with Thursday campus activities and a pit-lane walk on 22 October, using a separate Thursday ticket.

Cost

Separate Thursday admission

Separate Thursday ticket required. Eligible three-day tickets bought directly from COTA can claim a separate free Thursday ticket; otherwise select the Thursday offer with the organiser.

When to visit

Thursday 22 October 2026: gates open 11:30; pit-lane walk 14:00–16:00. Austin local time. Follow staff instructions for assembly.

The pit-lane walk window is 14:00–16:00; allow extra time for arrival, entry and assembly.

Getting there

Grand PrixView Thursday at COTA

9201 Circuit of the Americas Boulevard, Austin, TX 78617

Enter through Grand Plaza. Thursday tickets include parking in Lots F and H; Premium Garage parking costs extra. Weekend parking passes do not apply on Thursday. Follow the Thursday ticket’s road and arrival instructions, not the map pin.

Get directions

Plan your visit

Claim or buy your Thursday ticket through COTA’s official instructions. Do not arrive with only a weekend race ticket. COTALAND admission is separate.

Check visiting and booking details

05 / Where it is

Find it
and what’s nearby.

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Continue exploring / Austin

Explore Austin activities, sights and places to eat. Compare the time to allow, costs and booking details, then save your favourites to your itinerary.

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02Restaurants & fine dining
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The Continental Club · Austin30Live music & barsThe Continental Club · AustinExplore experience The White Horse · Austin31Live music & barsThe White Horse · AustinExplore experience The Broken Spoke32Live music & barsThe Broken SpokeExplore experience The Roosevelt Room33Live music & barsThe Roosevelt RoomExplore experience
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08Go deeper

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Editorial notes & sources

Programme and transport reviewed 13 October 2026 against Formula 1, F1 Academy and COTA. The series timetable resolves both Academy race times; two Porsche race times remain pending because official sources conflict. Sunday final shuttle departure and exact Friday/Saturday headliner starts remain unpublished. Current 2026 grandstand accessibility is distinct from older ADA route guidance. Thursday access, concert upgrades and track access are separate decisions.

Dining expansion reviewed 13 October 2026; other venue information reviewed 12 October 2026. Ordinary opening hours do not confirm race-week availability. Duration allowances are editorial suggestions; prices and booking conditions are controlled by each venue.