United States Grand Prix ⋅ General Admission (Grounds Pass)
Plan
Your
US
Grand Prix
DESTINATIONS
Looking for the best way to experience the US F1 Grand Prix on a budget? COTA’s Grounds Passes (general admission tickets) offer excellent value and access to some of the best viewing areas around the track.
With a Grounds Pass, you’re free to roam much of the circuit, from the iconic Turn 1 hill to the fast-flowing Esses and beyond. You won’t have a reserved seat, but you will have the flexibility to explore different corners and soak up the atmosphere from a variety of vantage points.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about COTA general admission, including the best GA viewing spots, what to bring, tips for race weekend, and whether a Grounds Pass is the right choice for you.
Buy US GP General Admission (Grounds Pass) tickets from one of these official retailers.
I get a small commission which helps to keep the lights on. The best part is, it doesn’t cost you any extra :)
Tickets you’re looking for sold out? Try buying from other fans at leading reseller site, Stubhub.
How Good is General Admission at COTA?
COTA is one of the best circuits in the world for General admission. As well as 5-star views and an electric atmosphere, there are no zone restrictions like there are at some tracks, so GA fans can walk much of the circuit perimeter and settle in where they like.
It’s not all good news, though. In recent years, more and more grandstands have been added, and that means less real estate for GA fans. The hottest spots get crowded quickly, and areas that were once quiet are now more contested than ever.
Speaking of hot spots, the sun can be intense, and there is little in the way of shade in GA areas. So pack your broadest brimmed Stetson and bucket loads of factor 50.
How are the views?
Thanks to the undulating terrain, some areas offer elevated, sweeping views that are genuinely better than many lower grandstand seats. These areas fill up fast though, so don’t sleep through your alarm.
There are some less popular areas that offer more breathing room. These tend to be flatter areas or those pressed right against the fence. Views may be more limited to single corners and only short glimpses of the action.
Top General Admission (Grounds Pass) Viewing Areas at COTA
Turn 1 Hill
Turn 1 is arguably the best general admission spot at COTA to unfold your camping chair. It’s rare that GA fans get to enjoy such a magnificent view of the main straight and pit complex, and there’s no better place to watch the start of the race without a grandstand seat.
From high up the hill, the panoramic view includes not only the pit lane and the main straight but also the run up to Turn 1 and glimpses of the back section of the track. It’s one of the few general admission areas in Formula 1 that feels like a grandstand experience, but without the grandstand ticket price.
But be warned: this area gets very busy, especially on Sunday. If you want one of the best spots, you’ll need to be at the gate before it opens and be ready for a quick uphill march.
The Esses (Turns 3–5)
It’s pure joy to watch an F1 car snaking its way through the Silverstone-esque turns 3 to 5 section, and it’s a favourite for many GA fans. And, just because you’re in general admission doesn’t mean you have to miss out on this.
The cars flick left and right through these corners, demonstrating speed and downforce, and while the views are mostly through fencing, there are still some excellent vantage points.
Some of the best views are in the Turn 3 to Turn 4 area, where the ground is slightly raised and you get a nice side-on view of the cars sweeping through the esses.
There’s a spectacular view from a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the track between turns 2 and 3. The bridge is mostly covered and you’ll only be able to stand on the steps if you want to enjoy a clear view of the action. It’s more of a photo opportunity than a place to spend the whole day, but definitely worth checking out if you’re doing a lap of the circuit.
Look out also for the shade beneath the bridge. Not only does it offer a break from the sun, but if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, it’s a comfortable place to watch the cars twist through this section.
Turn 11
Turn 11 is one of COTA’s more underrated general admission spots, but with far fewer crowds than Turn 1 it’s well worth checking out.
The general admission area here offers good visibility of the approach, braking zone, and corner exit. Turn 11 is a slow left-hander that leads onto the long back straight that sees the majority of overtakes.
You won’t find much in the way of elevation here, but there’s a wall along the fence that some fans use as a makeshift seat or platform to get a better view. What there is lots of though is space—this area has ample room to spread out and is less of a frantic early-morning rush compared to the hill at Turn 1.
It makes the vibe at Turn 11 more laid-back and friendly, with fewer elbows and more room to breathe. There are also bathrooms and food stalls in the area, and you’ll be close to the fan zone near the amphitheatre.
Turn 19/20
As we’ve seen, most of the best spots for general admission are in the first sector of the circuit. But a raised bank next to the penultimate corner affords an elevated view over the end of the lap and pitlane entry.
This spot also scores well for comfort. It’s less crowded than Turn 1 or the Esses, and there are a few shady patches scattered around. Depending on the time of day, this area can provide some much-needed relief from the sun—something you might be glad of if you’ve been outside since the early morning.
Another advantage is its location. Just a short walk from the Grand Plaza and main fan zone. That means not just better facilities and the best choice of food and drink, but it’s also ideal if you plan to join the post-race track invasion.
Can Fans In General Admission Watch From The COTA Observation Tower?
The circuit’s iconic observation tower offers fans a totally fresh perspective on the action. And yes, even if you’re there on a General Admission ticket you can ascend the 200-feet to watch from the observation deck. The catch? Well, other than a $35 ticket, you can expect long queues and time at the top is limited—expect to be shown the door after about 10 minutes. The spectacular, panoramic view is worth it though—just plan your visit during off-peak times to avoid a lengthy wait.
GA Strategy: How to Make the Most of Your Weekend
If you’re attending on Sunday only, pick one of the spots above and go straight there.
However, if you’ve got a two or three day general admission ticket for COTA, the best strategy is to treat day 1 as a reconnaissance mission. With smaller crowds and fewer queues, it’s the perfect time to walk the circuit, try out different vantage points, and figure out where you’d most like to be on race day.
Turn 1, the Esses, Turn 11, and the area near Turn 19 are considered the best spots for GA fans, but there are others. You may find a quieter corner with a smaller crowd or better shade that suits you better than the headline spots.
If you do decide one of those headline spots is for you, you’re looking at an early alarm on Sunday. Get to the circuit and start queueing before the gates open, and head straight to your favourite patch of grass to settle in.
Tip: A good race strategy is to start your day at turn one, where you can watch the start. When you feel you’ve had your fill of that view, meander around the track and optionally return later in the race for the pit stops and the checkered flag.
Comfort and Essentials for GA Fans
There’s no reserved seating in GA, so come prepared to stake out your spot and make it comfortable:
- Bring a collapsible chair, blanket, or cushion – essential if you’ll be sitting in one place for hours.
- Sun protection – bring sunscreen (lotion only, spray cans are confiscated), a wide-brimmed hat, and consider a small UV umbrella for shade.
- Hydration – pack a refillable bottle. Water stations are available, but they have been known to run dry by the end of the day.
- Good shoes make a difference – if you’re exploring the circuit, don’t be surprised if you walk several miles a day, often on uneven terrain.
Is General Admission (Grounds Pass) Worth It at the United States Grand Prix?
General admission at COTA can be every bit as rewarding as a grandstand seat, and it’s a great option for budget-conscious fans. You’ll miss out on reserved seating, but what you gain is variety. Grandstand fans can explore GA areas too of course, but you’re likely to explore more on a Grounds Pass.
Yes, there are trade-offs: long walks, early starts, defending your spot, and full exposure to the sometimes extreme local weather. But if you’re prepared for that, GA at COTA might be for you.
Not sure which ticket is right for you? Check out our Grandstands vs. General Admission comparison guide. You can also explore our Best Grandstands at COTA page for reviews of every grandstand, browse tickets via our recommended ticket partners or find out more on our US Grand Prix Tickets page.
About Me
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 35 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
