Rennie Scaysbrook | March 16, 2020
The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX, has closed its doors indefinitely and laid off “half” its staff amid the financial turmoil caused by the coronavirus.
The Austin facility includes the MotoGP/Formula One racetrack, as well as a concert arena and fields for professional soccer and rugby tournaments. With MotoGP postponing their event until November 15 from the original April 5 date after the City of Austin banned gatherings of more than 250 people, and the AutoNation IndyCar Challenge being canceled entirely, the circuit has taken a tremendous financial hit.
“Without concerts, races, and games, we have limited use,” a statement released by CoTA on Sunday, March 15, said. “Understandably and importantly, public safety takes precedence over celebratory gatherings. It is our greatest hope that our community remains healthy and, when the virus passes, we reunite for many years of treasured moments with friends and family.”
According to the American Statesman, CoTA Chairman Bobby Epstein said, “In the next 90 days alone, events representing nearly 600,000 ticketed visitors have been postponed, canceled, or are in jeopardy.”
The result is the lay off of “half” CoTA’s staff, according to Epstein, including circuit General Manager Roberto Silva. That number of layoffs is indeed terrible, but it’s important to note the circuit has not closed operations permanently with many people still employed.
We have reached out to Circuit of The Americas for comment, but have yet to receive a reply.
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