Situated in front of the start and finish lines with views of the track’s signature Turn 1, the Main Grandstand provides seating for over 9,000 spectators on three levels. Like the racecars on the track, the appearance of the Grandstand was generated by performance, efficiency and practicality; the direct relationship between form and function is apparent in the structural expression and modularity of the building’s components.
Spectators approaching the structure first encounter a small Ticket Building, whose minimal grey façade and thin red overhang set the tone for the Main Grandstand beyond. At the Grandstand’s front elevation, a soaring series of steel pipes frames the building’s two main entrances, and also serves to identify the modules containing the Velocity Lounge, the building’s most prominent interior space. Coated in the track’s signature red, the pipes launch up one side of the volume of the lounge, race over the top of the roof parallel to the track, and plummet back down to earth on the opposite side.
Even before entering the Grandstand, visitors begin to comprehend the pragmatic approach by which structure and program are integrated into the aesthetic design of the building. To either side of the red pipes, a delicate white canopy of nested steel tubes cantilevers 40 feet over a row of concession stands to provide shade and define pedestrian walkways. Overhead, a series of large vertical fins not only satisfies the sporting venue’s requirement for ample advertising space, but also provides lateral bracing for the steel structure.
To access the seating and amenities inside, visitors pass through one of three entrances marked by large aluminum louvered screens that protect the interior from the elements while allowing in light, air, and views of the clear blue Texas sky. Bleachers and fixed seats on cast-in-place risers line the track at the ground level, offering phenomenal views of the straightaway and pit lane. Above the lower risers, elevated, open-air loge boxes offer private video monitors and personal catering service to spectators desiring the amenities of a private suite without sacrificing proximity to the action on the racetrack. The ground level also hosts administrative and box offices for the track, a full-service kitchen, loading dock, and restrooms.
At the second level, a generous concourse shaded by the precast upper risers offers access to the club seating level and further amenities, including the signature 7,000 sq ft Velocity Lounge. This spacious, double-height entertainment and event space provides a welcome respite from the noise and heat of the track. The lounge’s main feature is a custom-built elliptical bar, clad in stainless steel and surrounding a tiered centerpiece wrapped in stainless steel mesh and illuminated from within by color-changing LEDs. Complementing the bar are three custom chandeliers that, together with the central bar, offer anunlimited range of dynamic lighting effects for the space.
The 29 private suites at the third level share spectacular views of the track andObservation Tower. Accommodating between 20-40 guests, each suite boasts aprivate outdoor balcony, wet bar and kitchenette, video monitors, and indoorseating area. Connecting the majority of the suites is an open-air ipe deck thatleads to a central, private lounge with open wells that offer views to the VelocityLounge below. Above the suite level, a white PTFE tensile canopy roof sweepsgracefully between a series of 50-foot cantilevered steel trusses, shadingspectators without disturbing sightlines.
The fast-paced and constantly evolving nature of the Circuit of the Americasdevelopment required an agile design for the Main Grandstand capable ofadapting to a complex framework of programmatic and budgetary goals. Inresponse to these demands, a system of interchangeable pieces was devisedthat could be arranged according to need. Inherent to this “kit-of-parts”construction system is a flexibility that will allow the Grandstand to grow overtime while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic that is visible throughout the entireCircuit of the Americas campus.
About Circuit of the Americas
Circuit of the Americas is the first purpose-built Formula 1 racing facility in theUnited States, playing host to the inaugural U.S. Grand Prix on November 18,2012. Built around a 3.4-mile course designed by Tilke GmbH, the facility holds120,000 spectators and is also home to the MotoGP, V8 Supercar, and AmericanLeMans series starting in 2013. Beyond the racetrack itself, this motor sports andentertainment destination consists of more than a dozen buildings, bridges, andother structures.
