The new circuit passed its FIA inspection with flying colours in September, ahead of the inaugural F1 race in November.
When the F1 circus arrived, the drivers and teams were immediately impressed. The paddock facilities were well thought out and lacked for nothing and spectators found the same was true of the public amenities. A central 'Grand Plaza' covering 20 acres contains a wide range of concessions, retail and restroom facilities and entrances to spectator seating, as well as a large reflecting pool, lawn, and varying landscape zones.
Dominating the skyline is the observation tower, which was conceived as a visual finale to the central Grand Plaza as well as a dramatic and memorable backdrop for the Austin360 Amphitheater concert venue at its base. Inspired by the image of red streaks of glowing light that tail lights leave behind in the dark, a roof of red steel tubes fans out over the amphitheater stage then converges at the base of the tower to form a "veil" that sweeps up and over the central elevator core.
To reach the top of the tower, visitors can either ride a high-speed elevator or climb the 428 steps to their destination. Seemingly suspended from the red pipe steel canopy is a viewing deck that offers a sweeping panorama of the entire track, downtown Austin, and the nearby Hill Country from an elevation of 230 feet. A portion of the floor is structural laminated glass, allowing more daring visitors to look straight down to the ground below their feet.
