Austin dominates sports world with F1 U.S. Grand Prix and Texas-Georgia showdown
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
This weekend, Austin, Texas, is unequivocally the place to be for live sports enthusiasts. The renowned Texas city will host two monumental sporting events, establishing itself as the center of the sports universe.
Formula 1 Returns to Austin
The annual U.S. Grand Prix revs back into action at Austin’s Circuit of the Americas (COTA). Practice sessions begin Friday, with the race on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. COTA features a unique mix of high-speed and low-speed corners.
Sixth Street buzzes with excitement for both the F1 race and Saturday’s Texas-Georgia football game at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Since its inaugural event with 117,000 attendees, COTA drew 432,000 spectators last year. Over a decade, it generated $7 billion in economic impact and created 64,000 jobs annually, comparable to hosting a yearly Super Bowl.
The grandeur of the race now coincides with a colossal SEC football game, an unprecedented combination. Traditionally, Texas played its biggest games out of town, famously facing Oklahoma in Dallas during the State Fair of Texas. Since 1936, Austin has only twice hosted a matchup of two top-five teams: Texas vs. Ohio State in 2006 and Texas vs. Arkansas in 1970.
This weekend combines the grand race with a historic SEC football clash. Previously, Texas hosted major games out of town but now hosts its biggest games, like this rare fifth regular-season meeting with Georgia since 1958.
Ticket prices range from $400 to $7,000, with average hotel rates at $477 per night. Austin's airport expects 40,000 departures on Monday, recommending travelers arrive three hours early.
Anticipation grows for Georgia vs. Texas
SEC Network analyst Matt Stinchcomb voiced his concerns about Georgia’s defense facing the potent Texas offense. College GameDay will also be on site, enhancing the electrifying atmosphere. Over recent years, Texas has improved its game-day experience, with highlights including a free concert by Spoon, a nationally acclaimed Austin band, outside the stadium on Saturday. Burnt orange smoke, LED lights, and a roaring crowd will make Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium one of the most raucous venues in its history.
F1: America's motorsport revival
Even before Netflix’s "Drive to Survive" boosted F1's U.S. popularity, the U.S. Grand Prix at COTA was a must-see, known for its driver-friendly track and lively fan atmosphere. Attendance grows annually, consistently selling out.
Austin's F1 vibe contrasts sharply with Europe's. Drivers embrace the Texas spirit, wearing cowboy hats and boots. The dynamic atmosphere and exciting racing make it a standout for drivers and fans.
Debuting in 2012, Austin marked a turning point post-2005's Indianapolis debacle. Now, it's a calendar staple, highlighted by the Verstappen-Hamilton duel in 2021.
Facing competition from Miami and Las Vegas, circuit chief Bobby Epstein remains unfazed, aiming higher.
This weekend, Austin hosts the U.S. Grand Prix and a major Texas-Georgia college football game, cementing its place as a sports hub.
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