COTA Will Unveil 75-Foot Fiberglass Cowboy Hat
A Guinness World Records official will certify the new landmark at the track this Thursday.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Theme Parks
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Fans heading to the Circuit of the Americas for race weekend will see a new 75-foot fiberglass cowboy hat in the Lone Star Land fan area. A Guinness World Records official is scheduled to certify the massive structure on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
Why it matters
The chairman aims to establish a permanent tourist landmark at the track, which sits 15 miles from downtown Austin. This installation adds to the COTALAND theme park, which opened in September 2026 to enhance the visitor experience.
The new structure measures 75 feet in length, trailing the iconic 251-foot COTA Tower. Peak attendance at the track previously reached 440,000 fans during a 2022 race weekend.
The players
Circuit of the Americas
The motorsports and entertainment venue located 15 miles from downtown Austin.
COTALAND
The theme park located at the track that opened in September 2026.
Guinness World Records
The international authority on record-breaking achievements that is evaluating the structure.
The details
Constructed from fiberglass, the hat includes a themed bar underneath for visitors. It serves as a permanent attraction located within the track's Lone Star Land area. This addition follows the September 2026 opening of the COTALAND theme park as the venue prepares for upcoming race crowds.
Timeline
September 2026: COTALAND theme park opened to the public.
October 15, 2026: A Guinness World Records official will certify the structure.
Week of October 19, 2026: The Formula 1 race weekend begins at the track.
The Texas Context
This permanent addition follows the venue's massive growth marked by the 440,000 fans who attended the 2022 Formula 1 race weekend. The project serves to expand the track's status as a year-round tourist destination in the region.
Visitors can see the new landmark when the Formula 1 race weekend begins the week of October 19. General admission Grounds Passes are available for $429, while Grand PrixView tickets are priced at $20.
The takeaway
The cowboy hat will remain a permanent fixture at the track for future events. Visitors attending the upcoming race weekend should look for the structure within the Lone Star Land fan area.
Further reading
You can find more information about local attractions in the Theme Parks section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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