FORMULA 1 EVENTS IN AUSTIN
It’s finally here – Formula 1 racing begins this weekend in Austin, Texas! We will join the ranks of 19 other cities around the world that host this phenomenal international auto racing sport. So much is going on around town to celebrate this momentous event. What would else would the “Live Music Capital of the World” do except kick things off with The Austin Fan Fest.
The 3-day festival will celebrate the inaugural 2012 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. Numerous activities will take place in the heart of beautiful downtown Austin, from the shores of Lady Bird Lake to the Capitol. Friday features headliners Aerosmith with Cheap Trick at the Frank Irwin Center. Flo Rida will take the stage at the Austin Convention Center on Saturday and Enrique Iglesias on Sunday. The festival will also include performances from various musical acts on multiple stages, F1 simulators, F1 show cars, bars, parties, a family fun zone, and plus much more!
Formula One coming back to America really is a big deal. The Circuit of the Americas track is expected to generate an annual economic impact of $400 million to $500 million for the area and attract as many as 300,000 people. For the ultra upscale European experience, My Yacht™ Group will host a three-day VIP nightclub event during F1 weekend. The celebrity-studded My Yacht™ F1 Club party will be at the Ballet Austin complex in the heart of downtown Austin.
Of course, race events will also take place all weekend at the Circuit of Americas track. Practice sessions will begin Friday, November 16 at 9am. Sunday will feature the Grand Prix race at 1pm. You can visit the official Circuit of the Americas website for a complete schedule of races and events.
With excitement also comes headaches for some. Although we are used to major events around town like the widely popular South by Southwest® festival every spring, the world renowned Austin City Limits Musical festival, and of course, record breaking attendance at The University of Texas Longhorn football home games, no one knows what this inaugural weekend will bring in terms of traffic. Be prepared, especially if you live or plan to travel downtown this weekend. Here are the downtown road closures that may cause delays getting around.
Closed from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 11:59 p.m. Monday:
- West 3rd Street and West 4th Street between Congress and Colorado
Closed from 6 a.m. Thursday to 6 p.m. Monday:
- West 3rd Street and West 4th Street between Colorado and Lavaca
- East 3rd Street and East 4th Street between Congress and Brazos
- Colorado Street between West 2nd Street and West 5th Street
Closed from 7 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Monday:
- Southbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 5th Street and 2nd Street
Closed from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday:
- Northbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 5th Street and 2nd Street
- Southbound lanes of Congress Avenue between 2nd Street and Cesar Chavez (2nd Street will be open)
Closed from 6 a.m. Friday to 11:59 p.m. Sunday:
- One lane of Trinity Street between East 12th Street and East 15th Street
- One westbound lane of East 12th Street between Red River and Trinity Streets
The good news is that Capital Metro is expanding their service during Formula 1 weekend. They are offering a free downtown bus route that will run every 15 minutes from 7am to 2:30am. Capital Metro will also offer a $1 bus ride to and from downtown Austin and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
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