This was my first visit to COTA. As a point of reference my track experiences are limited to... Indy (shortly after return of F1), Mid-Ohio (a LONG time ago) and VIR (quite often)
I have mixed feelings about COTA. It is a bit of a maze to get around as a spectator. A lot of walking for not a lot of distance traveled. Paths in some areas and in others none (just walk across dead weedy fields). You are generally limited to T12 through T1 for viewing. The back half of the track appears to be effectively inaccessible, or if it is, difficult to get to. They seem to be building new grandstands on the back half so maybe in the future it will be easier see more of the track. Food prices were about what I would expect (expensive), but there was decent selection. Plenty of toilets (no lines). Parking was fine with free shuttles to front gate.
Most all of the staff I talked to seemed helpful and nice. Even the lady that chased me down after I had accidently walked past her into the VIP area was nice when she told me I wasn't supposed to be there. The only gripe I would have is at the front gate. They were IMHO a bit overboard on what they would NOT let in. I had a few full water bottles that was fine, but the half full one in my hand was not. I also was made to toss a small bag of Chex Mix snack. It was labelled "to large". I can only imagine they don't want people bringing in foot. On the plus side, they did have a few free water stations to refill water bottles.
I had the multi-turn pass, but was only asked to show that ticket once when going into grandstands. Attendance was low enough that I suspect there was little reason to police grandstand tickets. I can't comment on attendance this year vs. last or vs. other WEC events world wide.
I assume the lack of grid walk is a pretty standard thing for WEC? Or at least only those who have some type of VIP access can do that. There WAS WEC grid access, but it clearly was limited and even with it being limited was pretty full. It looked more like an "F1 style" grid with mechanics getting cars ready, TV reporters and VIPs.
Small complaint... There was a "Fan Invasion" of the grid at the end of the race to allow fans to get up close to the podium ceremonies. However those who come over from the main straight grandstand was blocked by the pit wall and they did not open the gates for some reason. So a large group of fans (myself included) was walled off for no reason. For those who just happened to enter from the paddock side was able to get as close as they wanted. I suspect this was just a lack of someone assigned to open those gates.
I would return for the right event, but missed the laid back atmosphere of VIR.
