COTA yields $2.8B since 2011

By Joe Olivieri

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

Economic consultant firm Greyhill Advisors announced its findings at a news conference held Oct. 28.

"COTA has turned out to be much more than a racetrack," Mayor Lee Leffingwell said at an Oct. 28 news conference. "It's a job creator, a revenue generator, and a destination for quality, year-round entertainment."

The $897 million economic impact breaks down to $731 million from the track's events impacts and $166 million from operations.

Prior to the race, Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, said NBC predicted 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]," Lander said.