First Time at COTA. Grandstand Q&A.

I'm considering attending the 2025 F1 at COTA. I know F1 can be expensive, and different circuits offer different seating options. My wife and I are in our 60's and looking to watch a live race. Austin (COTA) looked to be the most convenient location and 17-19 October should be a nice time of the year too. As a first timer, I have a few questions I'm hoping some of the more experienced fans can assist me with. Thanks in advance.

  1. What are my options for tickets? We'll be attending all 3 days. From what I can gleam from the F1 website, Grandstand tickets are least expensive (~$200) but seating looks to be on the ground or bleachers with little to no shade. I don't think this would be the best fit for us. The next step up looks to be Covered Grandstand tickets ($350+). As of today (3 Feb 25) they're not available for sale yet.
  2. Do Covered Grandstand tickets provide reserved seats or can ticket holders sit anywhere in designated Covered Grandstand areas? Which seating areas do you prefer and why?
  3. Do you know when Covered Grandstand tickets will go on sale?
  4. What options do Covered Grandstand offer that the price is listed as $350 and up? What are the pros and cons?
  5. Is there anything a first timer should be looking for when purchasing tickets? What am I missing?

Thanks again!

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