Circuit of the Americas produced an $897 million economic impact to the Austin region from October 2013 to September 2014.

COTA has averaged an economic impact of nearly $700 million per year and has had a $2.8 billion cumulative impact on the region since it first broke ground in 2011.

These were three of the highlights economic consultant firm Greyhill Advisors announced Oct. 28 as part of a new study of the racetrack and special events center.

"COTA has turned out to be much more than a racetrack," Mayor Lee Leffingwell said at the news conference. "It's a job creator, a revenue generator and a destination for quality, year-round entertainment. These benefits to taxpayers result from racetrack construction that was solely funded by private investment. I commend COTA for its positive impact on our community and its contribution to Austin's emergence as an international city."

The $897 million economic impact breaks down into $731 million from the events' impacts themselves and $166 million from operations.

"It is rare to see this level of impact," Greyhill partner Ben Loftsgaarden said.

The 2013 U.S. Grand Prix drew the biggest numbers, generating a $507 million economic impact, according to the report. Other major sports events including MotoGP and the X Games generated $161 million.

COTA's 18 concerts had a $48.9 million impact and track rentals and conferences drew $13.8 million.

About 1.1 million attendees attended COTA events during the 2014 fiscal year, Loftsgaarden added.

Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, said NBC is predicting between 305 million to 400 million people would watch the 2014 U.S. Grand Prix on Nov. 2.

"Last year the Super Bowl had a record number of viewers with 111 million. If Major League Baseball is lucky, it may get 20 million for [the 2014 World Series]," he said.