In what was called one of the largest regional partnerships in the City of Austin and Travis County's history, city officials announced Nov. 7 the activation of a command center that will manage public safety, transportation and other issues during the weekend of the United States Grand Prix, Nov. 16–18.

A coalition with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Aviation Authority, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and most city departments will help staff the command center, which will start operating Nov. 15. The command center will be located at the Combined Transportation, Emergency and Communications Center, 5010 Old Manor Road.

"This ensures that all of our experts, including those in transportation, police, [Emergency Medical Services], fire and communications will be in one place to effectively and efficiently manage any issues that may arise during the race weekend," City Manager Marc Ott said.

The United States Grand Prix is expected to draw 120,000 people Nov. 18 and also have large crowds Nov. 16 and 17, Circuit of The Americas President Steve Sexton said. City officials and the heads of public safety departments said the large crowd necessitates that the different agencies work together.

"This is one of those times when jurisdictional boundaries are set aside and we work in partnership," said Michael Hemby, Travis County Sheriff's Office planning manager .