New amusement park to bring rollercoasters to COTA

Just after NASCAR’s EchoPark Grand Prix wrapped up on Sunday night, Circuit of the Americas Chairman Bobby Epstein announced yet another draw to Austin's track: a new amusement park.

Epstein confirmed to Austonia the park would be "family-friendly," with more than 30 rides, two “mega-coasters,” and will “rival any other” amusement park in the country. Epstein expects the kids section of the park to open this summer and the rest in 2023, with additional rides coming in 2024.

"The amusement park is -and always has been- part of our overall goal: to be a world-class destination for sports and entertainment," Epstein said. "We want to be 'the playground for today, making memories forever.'”

COTA has over 400 events planned at the venue this year, including 40 concerts. Epstein said with 1,500 acres to work with, they plan to keep adding events.

The venue has already provided a kiddie park with a Ferris wheel, carousel, zip-lining and go-kart track.

Over the past 10 years it has been in Austin, the COTA track has brought $5 billion to the local economy.

Not to mention foot traffic—October’s Formula 1 race drew more than 300,000 people for the weekend and has already sold out this year. Last month, Epstein secured a five-year contract with its main event, F1, and said he expects MotoGP to return for at least five more years. MotoGP, which attracts crowds of 70,000 or more, will return in April this year.

With its 10-year anniversary coming up this year, Epstein said to be on the lookout for announcements regarding the milestone celebration as it is going to be “legendary.” The next time you're driving along Toll 130, you should be able to catch a glimpse of the new Ferris wheel.