On the same day in which it announced the signing of a 10-year agreement to host MotoGP races as well as Formula 1, the United States Grand Prix group responsible for bringing F1 back to the United States in 2012 officially named its Austin facility "Circuit of the Americas" at a media event held to reveal more details of the facility.
"We are building a destination for entertainment and business, not simply a racetrack, and this brand reflects that entire idea," said Tavo Hellmund, managing partner of Full Throttle Productions and chairman of Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. "Racing days will account for a total of about 30 days a year, but great performances and winning ideas will be inspired by this brand every day."
"One of the most inviting aspects of the name is the word 'Americas,'" said Red McCombs, founding partner of the facility. "It reflects Austin's ideal location at the crossroads of North America from north to south, east to west. Also, it speaks to our state as a center of commerce and cultural exchange in this hemisphere. I look forward to meeting many fans and visitors who will be coming from every country."
The Circuit of the Americas master plan features a variety of permanent structures designed for business, education, entertainment and race use. The paddock building on race weekends, for example, will also serve as a 500-person banquet hall for events such as private or corporate dinners and nonprofit fund-raising galas.
The main grandstand plan includes luxury suites that can be used for business entertaining; and with a capacity of nearly 750 people and a commercial kitchen and cafe, the media and conference center will host business conferences, seminars and receptions. During race weekends, it will convert into an international media center, accommodating the media.
The 5,400 square foot medical building is being built for year-round use as a training facility for area emergency care professionals and medical school students. During races, it will serve as a trauma care location for driver/riders.
Fourteen suites, each 3,600 square feet with elevators and kitchens, will be outfitted with the latest A/V gear and high-speed web connections to serve as business meeting suites for up to 75 people each. During race weekends, teams and sponsors will use the suites for meetings and hospitality.
Live music entertainment with world-class performers will be a staple at Circuit of the Americas during race and non-race weekends. The Grand Plaza is designed "as an open stage area where performers can entertain thousands of people in a panoramic setting," according to the organizers.