As Formula 1 returns to Austin, the Texas capital is also set to host one of college football’s biggest matchups of the season: No. 5 Georgia vs. No. 1-ranked Longhorns. For sports enthusiasts, Austin is the place to be this weekend.
The U.S. Grand Prix kicks off with practice sessions on Friday, leading up to the race on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, which can be streamed live on ABC/ESPN+. On Saturday, the Texas Longhorns will take on the Georgia Bulldogs at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium at 7:30 p.m. ET, also available for live streaming on ABC/ESPN+.
The excitement in Austin is palpable, as Circuit of the Americas (COTA) has become a significant fixture in the F1 calendar, with drivers eagerly anticipating the event each season. The Longhorns, currently 6-0 and ranked first in the nation, are generating extra buzz, particularly on Sixth Street, known for its vibrant nightlife.
Austin is making a name for itself not just as the “Live Music Capital of the World” but also as a rising sports destination. The first F1 race at COTA attracted around 117,000 attendees, while last year’s event recorded over 432,000 fans. The venue has reportedly generated an economic impact of $7 billion over its first decade, creating over 64,000 jobs annually, comparable to hosting an annual Super Bowl.
What makes this weekend particularly intriguing is the combination of the F1 race with a major SEC football game. Traditionally, Texas plays its biggest game against Oklahoma in Dallas, but this year the stakes are high as Texas and Georgia, two storied college football programs, clash during the regular season for the first time since 1958. Tickets for the game are highly sought-after, with prices ranging from just under $400 to $7,000 in the secondary market.
Hotel prices for the F1 and Texas-Georgia weekend are estimated at an average of $477 per night. Austin’s airport anticipates approximately 40,000 departing visitors on Monday and is advising travelers to arrive up to three hours early for the events.
ESPN’s College GameDay will also be present, adding to the lively atmosphere for the evening game. Texas has enhanced its game-day experience, including a free show by the Austin band Spoon outside the stadium and unique traditions that contribute to an electric atmosphere in the stadium.
The U.S. Grand Prix at COTA continues to play a pivotal role in Formula 1’s growth in America. Prior to the rise in interest from shows like “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” the race had already established itself as a key event. COTA is renowned for providing exciting racing with its unique layout, and the city’s lively culture adds to the allure.
Since its debut in 2012, the Austin Grand Prix has helped revive F1’s presence in the U.S., following the challenges faced after the controversial 2005 U.S. Grand Prix. The event in 2021 marked a significant milestone for F1’s resurgence in America, drawing enthusiastic crowds to support the sport.
As F1 faces competition from other U.S. Grand Prix locations, such as Miami and Las Vegas, COTA continues to work on elevating the overall experience for fans. This year, ticket holders can look forward to an Eminem concert and transportation options to the Texas-Georgia game, underscoring Austin’s status as a prime destination for major sporting events.