CoTA unveils exclusive lounge for F1 patrons

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Circuit of The Americas is a place where Formula One race fans and fancy lifestyles collide.  Tuesday, track officials unveiled the Velocity Lounge, which is the concession area for premium seat-holders in the main grandstand.

"We want the 'wow factor'," said CoTA chairman Bobby Epstein. "You want the 'wow factor' everywhere you are out here."

The Velocity Lounge is a 5,000-square-foot space with high-end food and beverage selections, flat screen TVs, and room for socializing. Circuit officials hope its appeal will go beyond Formula One weekend.

"So year-round, a place to have a gala, a celebration, a party or a wedding," said Epstein. "Second, it's also the finest concession stand."

The decor inside the Velocity Lounge is capped by a one-of-a-kind acrylic painting by Dallas-based artist Christopher Martin.  He created it specifically for the fast-paced, high-end crowd.

"My vision was to try to compress the aspects of the sport and the track into an expressionist painting," said Martin.

There are nine concession areas in the main grandstand, each with their own theme. Menu items include fish and chips and Reuben sandwiches. It's all part of the hospitality of Circuit of The Americas reaching out to its international visitors.