Cotaland, a new racing-themed amusement park at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas track, is revving up for family fun in the fast lane starting in September.
A grand-opening celebration is set for Sept. 26 and 27 at 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd in Del Valle on Austin’s east side. The Circuit of the Americas track opened in 2012 as a 3.4-mile track built especially for Formula 1 racing.
Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, and the FIA World Endurance Championship use the track.
The new park features high-thrill roller coasters, family friendly attractions and the chance to ride a lap on Circuit of The Americas’ Formula 1 racetrack, according to a news release about Cotaland’s opening date. The name references the initials for Circuit of The Americas.
“Cotaland was created to be far more than a traditional amusement park,” said Bobby Epstein, founder of COTA, in a statement. “This is where theme park thrills, world-class racing, live entertainment and family experiences come together in a way that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country.”
The park is located between Turns 19 and 20 of the race circuit. More than 30 experiences from thrill rides to entertainment and attractions are a part of the new park.
More than 800 shade trees are present on the property with the featured Flutterarium, a Victorian-style butterfly conservatory.
Dining experiences include international flavors, Texas-inspired comfort food, barbecue, sweet treats, snacks and more at full-service restaurants, grab-and-go marketplaces and race-day inspired eateries.
Signature roller coasters include Circuit Breaker — a tilt roller coaster — and Palindrome, a one-of-a-kind shuttle coaster that travels both forward and backward on the same track. A log-flume ride offers a cooling splashdown and an 18-hole mini golf course takes the name Speed City.
“These aren’t just rides — they’re engineering showcases,” said Matt Hughey, vice president of Cotaland Park operations. “Cotaland is building experiences guests can’t find anywhere else.”