VOLUME 57 ISSUE 11 MARCH 17, 2020 P29
Circuit of The Americas Closes
Indefinitely Due to Coronavirus
T
he Circuit of the Americas
in Austin, TX, has closed its
doors indefinitely and laid off "half"
its staff amid the financial turmoil
caused by the coronavirus.
The Austin facility includes the
MotoGP/Formula One racetrack,
as well as a concert arena and
fields for professional soccer and
rugby tournaments. With MotoGP
postponing their events until No-
vember 15 from the original April
5 date after the City of Austin
banned gatherings of more than
250 people, and the AutoNa-
tion IndyCar Challenge being
canceled entirely, the circuit has
taken a tremendous financial hit.
"Without concerts, races and
games, we have limited use," a
statement released by COTA on
Sunday, March 15, said. "Under-
standably and importantly, public
safety takes precedence over
celebratory gatherings. It is our
greatest hope that our communi-
ty remains healthy, and when the
virus passes, we reunite for many
years of treasured moments with
friends and family."
According to the American
Statesman, COTA Chairman Bob-
by Epstein said, "In the next 90
days alone, events representing
nearly 600,000 ticketed visitors
have been postponed, canceled
or are in jeopardy."
The result is a layoff of "half"
COTA's staff, according to Ep-
stein, including circuit General
Manager Roberto Silva.
We have reached out to Circuit
of The Americas for comment,
but have yet to receive a reply at
the time of publishing. CN
COTA will fall silent
for the foreseeable
future following
the Coronavirus
outbreak.
