Austin is home to a very interesting, and specific, demographic.
The city is full of young professionals with occupations in high tech
industry. When one adds in the diverse ethnic population generated by the
University of Texas, the result is a field of individuals with money and time
to indulge themselves in leisure activities. This crowd is usually
drawn to major festivals such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and
Fun Fun Fun Fest, however, on November 18th a special treat is
available. For the first time since 2007
the United States will host a Formula 1 race.
The newly constructed Circuit of the America’s track, located in
southeast Travis County, has an expected manifest of 200,000, many coming in
from out of country. The anticipated
crowd has the potential to cause serious problems, but also presents many opportunities.
One major issue still to be fully addressed
is traffic in the surrounding area.
Austin is already known for having some of the worst traffic in the
country. When accounting for the
additional 200,000 expected to be in town on race weekend, one is forced to
wonder the outcome. Certain measures
have been taken, such as offering helicopter flights from several locations
around Austin to the track, to alleviate congestion. It is highly unlikely that the counter
measures put into effect will qualm the issues and chances are that only after
witnessing the magnitude of the event will the problem be properly solved. One potential side effect of the traffic is a
heavily reduced response time from emergency services should they be necessary.
Security will also remain president over
race weekend. The influx of foreign
travelers to Austin will have to be tended to by especially sharp TSA agents,
while local authorities make an effort to provide a safe environment for the
guests of Texas. Any riot, act of
terrorism, or Act of God could quickly and easily escalate to a catastrophic
disaster.
Despite the responsibility accrued with
hosting an international event, there are certainly many benefits. By far, the greatest opportunity lies in the
financial departments of local business.
All traveling in from out of town will need lodging and food, which the
hospitality industry of Austin is more than ready to take on. Revenue generated by ticket and concession
sales will certainly give a huge boost to an already healthy Austin
economy.
In conjunction with the hospitality and
restaurant sales, Central Texas can expect to see new high tech automotive
industry establish itself in the area, generating high-end long term jobs. Additionally, it would be of no surprise to many
to see an increase in sports car sales and participation at other tracks in the
area.
All in all, Austin is very fortunate to be
receiving such attention in the coming weeks.
All other cities supporting a Formula 1 track are the cultural and business
centers of the world. Austin’s, as well
as Texas’, perception by the world population will certainly be elevated in
establishing this major event.
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