Grandstand guide
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access - Circuit of the Americas Grandstand Guide
Our verdict
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access best suits overtaking at the end of the back straight.
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access highlighted; other sections in grey.
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access offers a reserved seat in the middle rows of the Turn 12 Grandstand with a direct view of the braking zone at the end of the back straight, covering Turns 12 to 15 across a recognised overtaking zone. The package includes Friday-only access to the observation deck atop the Cota Tower, 77 metres up, where you can take in panoramic views of the entire circuit and Austin's cityscape. Expect mostly sunny conditions throughout the weekend.
What is the view like from Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access at Circuit of The Americas?
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access places you in the middle rows of the Turn 12 Grandstand at the end of the F1 circuit's longest straight. You overlook the braking zone where drivers reach top speeds before Turn 12, with clear sightlines across Turns 12 to 15 and the back straight. This is a recognised overtaking zone, so you will see competitive action throughout Friday to Sunday.
The grandstand seating is mostly exposed to the sun, so plan accordingly with sunscreen and hydration. Your reserved seat in the middle rows strikes a balance between track proximity and an unobstructed angle of the action.
Friday Cota Tower Experience
On Friday only, your package includes access to the observation deck atop the iconic Cota Tower, positioned 77 metres above the circuit. From this vantage point you can survey panoramic views across the entire track layout and Austin's cityscape, and time your visit to catch track action from above before returning to your grandstand seat for the rest of the weekend.
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access vs other Circuit of the Americas grandstands
How Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access compares to the other main F1 grandstands at Circuit of the Americas, so you can decide where to sit before you book.
| Grandstand | Covered | Numbered seat | Big screen | Podium view | Pit lane | Overtaking | Seats together | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turn 12 + Cota Tower AccessYou're viewing | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Champions Club E/W Main Grandstand | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Up to 2 | Pit lane action, race starts, podium ceremonies |
| Turn 1 | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Up to 6 | Race starts and Turn 1 braking zone |
| Turn 1 Mid Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Up to 10 | Race starts and Turn 1 braking zone |
| Turn 12 Lower | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Turn 12 Upper | No | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Overtaking at the end of the back straight |
| Turn 15 Lower Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 15 Mid Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 3 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 15 Top Level | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 10 | Stadium section overtaking and back straight views |
| Turn 19 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Up to 6 | Last overtaking chance before the finish straight |
| Turn 4 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 6 | High-speed direction changes in the opening sector |
| Turn 4 + Welcome Party | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 10 | High-speed direction changes in the opening sector |
| Turn 9 | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Up to 6 | Panoramic view of the esses and Turn 11 hairpin |
Frequently asked questions
What corners and track sections can I see from Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access?+
Your seat overlooks Turns 12 to 15 and the back straight, with a direct view of the braking zone at the end of the circuit's longest straight where cars reach top speeds. This is a known overtaking zone, so you will see passing moves throughout the event.
Is Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access in the sun or shade?+
The grandstand is mostly in the sun throughout the weekend, so you should bring sunscreen, a hat, and adequate fluids to stay comfortable.
When can I use the Cota Tower observation deck?+
Tower access is included on Friday only. From the 77-metre-high observation deck you can view the entire circuit layout and Austin's skyline, and catch track action from above.
What type of seating does Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access offer?+
You receive a reserved seat in the middle rows of the Turn 12 Grandstand, valid for Friday through Sunday race action.
Who is this grandstand best suited for?+
Turn 12 + Cota Tower Access is ideal for fans who want to watch overtaking action at the end of the back straight in a recognised passing zone, combined with a unique Friday experience from the circuit's signature observation tower.
