Austin’s Newest F1 Attraction Is a Texas-Sized Cowboy Hat With a Bar Underneath

For those attending Formula 1 in Austin this weekend, there’s a Texas-size surprise waiting at Circuit of the Americas. Unveiled on Monday, the giant cowboy hat installation measures 43 feet wide, 47 feet long and 17 feet tall, excluding its supporting piers. COTA and Austin-based Western wear brand Tecovas created what the companies say Guinness World Records officially certified as the world’s largest cowboy hat.

“The World’s Largest Cowboy Hat belongs in Texas, and there’s no better place to welcome fans from around the world with a statement this big,” said Bobby Epstein, Chairman of Circuit of the Americas in a recent statement.

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Circuit of the Americas and Austin-based Tecovas unveiled the world’s largest cowboy hat ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. (Photo courtesy of Circuit of The Americas)

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A bar beneath the hat’s brim will be open to all ticket holders Thursday through Sunday during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix weekend. (Photo courtesy of Circuit of The Americas)

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The giant cowboy hat will remain at COTA beyond race weekend. (Photo courtesy of Circuit of The Americas)

Modeled after Tecovas’ Cattleman Cowboy Hat, the structure is made of fiberglass and foam around a steel frame. The details are oversized, too, including a hatband, steel horseshoe charm and markings featuring the COTA track outline and Tecovas branding.

Beyond the inevitable photo opportunities, the hat offers shade and a place to grab a drink. All ticket holders can access the bar beneath its brim from the time gates open until they close Thursday through Sunday of race weekend.

“Creating the ‘World’s Largest Cowboy Hat’ alongside our long-time partners at COTA is a massive celebration of our Austin roots and the bold spirit of Texas,” said David Lafitte, CEO of Tecovas.

The unveiling also comes ahead of the partners’ second annual “Haturday” on Oct. 24. And if you’re sitting out F1 weekend, the hat will remain at Circuit of the Americas beyond the race.

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